Griffin a Gem on Diamond for Michigan, but Postseason Exposes Flaw

For all of the accolades and awards bestowed on Michigan ace pitcher Sara Griffin, a former Simi Valley High star, there is one triumph that has managed to elude her: a victory in the Women’s College World Series.

On the strength of Griffin’s right arm, Michigan has advanced to the World Series in each of the past two seasons after only one appearance in all the years before she went to Ann Arbor. But in each of the past two years, the Wolverines have made a quick exit, losing the first two games. Griffin has yet to win in four starts, taking the loss in three of those games.

It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Griffin, who has taken the Big Ten Conference by storm. Her two seasons have netted her two All-American trophies, Big Ten player-of-the-year distinction in back-to-back seasons, a place in the Michigan record book in 10 categories and . . . yes, three losses in the World Series.

Griffin, who led Simi Valley to a Southern Section Division I title in 1994 and was subsequently named Cal-Hi Sports state player of the year, cannot explain how a victory in the Big Show has eluded her.

“I don’t know,” she said. “I think I let the pressure get to me. I guess I’ve put too much expectation in one little tournament instead of playing my game.”

Had Griffin played her game, she likely would have rolled through the tournament without a hitch. Griffin’s 35 victories in 1996 led NCAA Division I pitchers. She finished 35-7 with a 1.10 earned-run average.

Considering that Griffin had a 19-game winning streak heading into the World Series, a victory there appeared imminent. But she suffered losses to UCLA, 2-0, in the first game and Iowa, 3-2, in the second. She pitched only six innings, allowing nine hits and three earned runs.

The hard-throwing 5-foot-9 right-hander has been consistently impressive, however, except for that frustrating last weekend in May. Griffin is 56-14 for a winning percentage of .800, which is a career record at Michigan. She has struck out 341 in 460 innings and has 23 shutouts contributing to her 1.26 ERA.

Unlike most pitchers in Division I, Griffin also bats. She not only bats, she produces in mass quantity. She batted a team-high .408 with 47 runs batted in last season and set a school record for doubles in a season with 24.

With so many personal achievements in such a short time, Griffin’s goals now are more team oriented.

“First up is to win a game [in the World Series],” she cracked.

Griffin said the team’s psyche might have played a part in holding back the Wolverines. Michigan has won back-to-back conference titles while rival Iowa has finished second or third in the conference but fared much better in the World Series. How can Michigan overcome the jinx?

“For me, personally, I need to forget that I’m there,” she said. “We need to just say, ‘So what!’ and go out there and play our game.”

*

Simi Valley Girls Softball will host its fourth All-Star tournament this weekend for girls ages 8 to 14. More than 650 girls from all over Southern California are expected to participate in the three-day tournament that begins Friday.

Games will be played at Arroyo Fields, Santa Susana Park, Rancho Simi Valley and Wood Ranch. For information call (805) 522-3993.