The ShowGirl

  (1:33 PM)

More college softball ahead. Next up is Jessica Merchant of the top ranked Michigan Wolverines. Send in those questions now!

Jessica Merchant

  (1:35 PM)

Hello everybody, I'm in Ann Arbor and I'm excited for your questions. Thanks for logging on!

Michigan Tarp Crew, Ann Arbor

Jessica, We all know the weather in Ann Arbor can be a little shaky on Regional and Super Regional weekends. How important is it to have a great playing surface to field on and pitch from? Also how important is it to have such a wonderful tarp crew take care of you gals. Good Luck this weekend

Jessica Merchant

  (1:37 PM)

The tarp crew is great -- for sure. Our field is amazing, but I think the best thing about it is the atmosphere that comes along with it. There is nothing better than our fans and we are so fired up to be able to play a Super REgional in front of them.

Kim (PA)

Jess, how does it feel to be ranked No. 1 -- can you feel the proverbial bullseye on your back? Do you feel folks are out to knock you guys out more than ever?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:38 PM)

I think, with a top seed we don't let that pressure get to us. It could, but we use it for confidence. The top seed has been great for the school and the conference, but the real No. 1 will be decided on June 9 -- and that's the one we're shooting for right now.

Katie (Chicago)

Jess, you are a home run machine this year! Did you change your swing ... your bat ... what your secret?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:39 PM)

Nothing really changed too much, I just started to use my legs a little more and stay short to the ball. No big adjustments, really, just some small ones that have made a big difference.

John (Los Angeles)

Jess, you face Washington, the Pac-10 has always been a softball powerhouse. Are you conscious of the conference you're up against?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:40 PM)

We definitely know the Huskies are from teh Pac-10 and they are a powerhouse, but we've faced those teams before and we're confident in our pitching and defense and we believe that if we continue to play good softball, we'll put ourselves in a good position.

Tina (Boston)

Hey Jess, if you couldn't play shortstop, what position would you play? p.s. I'm a shortstop ... it's the best!

Jessica Merchant

  (1:41 PM)

If I could play any other postion I would definitely play second -- I actually grew up playing second base. I really enjoy it.

Moonlight

What's more true: Pitchers are crazy or shortstops are perfectionists?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:41 PM)

Pitchers are crazy!!

Richard Marlin (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

What is your batter music and why did you choose that particular song?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:42 PM)

My actual batting song is Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy -- I picked because I'm from Wayland -- a small little country town. I decided to go with my roots and go with some country!

Steffi L, Detroit

Jessica, do you and Findley discuss your home run race with eachother?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:43 PM)

No, actually, we don't discuss it at all. Our goal is to win ballgames and if us both hitting homeruns is how we do that, we're more than willing to watch each other hit 'em!

Smash, Ann Arbor MI

What do you do to prepare to face a pitcher like Ashley Boek, whom you havent faced since 2003?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:45 PM)

You know, we have kept our practice routine the same as we would for any other opponent. We really just try to focus on ourselves and the things WE need to do to win ballgames. We really don't get too caught up on our opponent or outside distractions.

Jenny Roth (West Virginia)

What's it like to play for coach Hutchins?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:46 PM)

Playing for Hutch -- it's been a great experience, definitely something I wouldn't change for the world. She is a great leader, motivator and mentor and we all know that we are very lucky to be on her team.

evan (manhattan)

what's your favorite place to eat in michigan? i graduated from there a few yrs ago.

Jessica Merchant

  (1:47 PM)

My favorite place is Pizza Bobs.

Paula (Ohio)

Hey Jess -- congratulations on a great career at UM. You're a senior, this is it, looking back, what was your favorite part. DOes one softball memory stick out for you?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:48 PM)

You know, I can't really pinpoint one. I think the best part has been my teammates and the people I've met along the way. My memories of experience with them will last a lot longer than any victory we've had.

Pinecone (Ann Arbor, MI)

Gum or Seeds?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:48 PM)

Gum when I'm playing, seeds when I'm hanging out. ... RANCH seeds!

Lara Nigel (Okemos, Mich.)

What made you choose the University of Michigan?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:49 PM)

The coaching staff and the traditions at MIchigan are definitely top priority on my list of reason why I came here.

Ryan (Ann Arbor)

Now that you are back in the NCAA tournament, how is the team addressing the mental mistakes that have knocked the team out early in past World Series? How will you all stay focused? Good luck this weekend. All of Ann Arbor and the state of Michigan is rooting for you!

Jessica Merchant

  (1:50 PM)

I think we'll definitely use those as learning experience -- we can't dwell on them -- this is a differnt team and a different group of kids. We're just looking to learn from the past and make some noise this year at the World Series.

Dan (ann Arbor)

Michigan clearly has one of the most dominant teams in the nation, and your one of the most dominant players. Does anyone else in the country intimidate you, or do you see yourself as unstopable. As someone who goes to most of your games, i see you as someone who can't be stopped. Go Blue, good luck this weekend

Jessica Merchant

  (1:52 PM)

You know, I don't think we're intimidated by anyone but there are definitely some other great teams out there. If we don't bring our A-game, they could get in our way, but we know that and we are ready for any challenge.

Shaves (Ann Arbor)

What is it like living with Tiffany Haas?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:53 PM)

Living with TIffany is quite the experience! I wouldn't want to live with anyone else ... I just have to make sure she shows up to games sometimes.

The Rebekah/Rebecca's

How important is it to have a great catcher/left fielder? :)

Jessica Merchant

  (1:54 PM)

You're both amazing teammates and I'm honored to be able to play with both of you! (laughing) ... Hey, shouldn't you guys be at practice, or something?

Tim Reynolds (Ohio)

Does the team have a numbr one fan? Does it have a big cheering seciton?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:55 PM)

I'd say we have a big cheering section, I wouldn't trade the fans in Ann Arbor for anybody. The pep band comes out -- the atmosphere here is just amazing.

Carolyn, Ann Arbor

What do you do in your spare time in Ann Arbor? Hobbies?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:55 PM)

In my spare time I'm a big sports person ... lots of baseball and basketball. ... That's about it.

Trevor (Houston)

Any thoughts on Beijing in 2008? Will you stick with softball in hopes of making the Olympics?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:56 PM)

It's always been a dream of mine. 2008 is a long ways a way, but I hope to continue playing softball for as long as I can.

Michigan Rich (Ann Arbor)

What other Michigan teams are you friends with? What is your favorite sport other than softball to watch?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:57 PM)

My favorite sports team to watch at Michigan would be the field hockey team. They won a national championship my freshman year and I can only hope our team adds to that.

Paul Mason (Austin, Texas)

Even though I am in Texas, I am routing for you and Michigan to go all the way. What do you think about all the talk that says "southern" school softball programs have a distinct advantage over "norther" schools because of the weather, etc.?

Jessica Merchant

  (1:59 PM)

That's definitely something we don't focus on. We do practice inside most of the year while southern schools are outside, but we don't look at that as a disadvantage at all. It really gives us a chance to focus on our fundatmentals.

Stuart Buckingham

What are your superstitions? Any rituals before games?

Jessica Merchant

  (2:00 PM)

You know, I'm not really too superstitious, I don't worry about that stuff. Rituals. Nothing really, I just try to show up and have fun.

aunt jenny

Hi pumpkin! How are you! Good luck this weekend!

Jessica Merchant

  (2:00 PM)

Thanks Jen, I wouldn't be here without all of your support! I love ya!

Pinecone (Ann Arbor, MI)

My source says you will only eat Ranch seeds...would you turn down original or BBQ? this is very important predictor of my level of cheering this weekend.

Jessica Merchant

  (2:01 PM)

Wouldn't turn them down ... but definitely prefer ranch.

Jay (Villa Park, IL)

Are you going to be going to the NPS? How about the new Chicago Bandits, you can come play with Jennie Finch...

Jessica Merchant

  (2:02 PM)

I've actually been drafted by the New England RipTide, but I haven't made any decisions yet about what the summer holds for me.

thomas f (lakeplacid fl)

can you remember when you hit your first collge home run?

Jessica Merchant

  (2:04 PM)

Actually, yes I can, I think it was against Pacific and Hutch made me use a bottle bat ... and I hit a HR! I was so excited!

Ryan (Ann Arbor)

We need another player in our co-ed rec league this summer in Ann Arbor. We mostly play at Vet's park. You interested? We may need to tone down your power though, any ball hit over the fence is an out!

Jessica Merchant

  (2:05 PM)

If I'm around, I would love to get into the slow-pitch circuit!

Mitch (Mtown)

Who are some of the people you look up to in sports

Jessica Merchant

  (2:06 PM)

Tough one. I definitely look up to Michael Jordan and Lance Armstrong -- athletes who have been able to get it done year in and year out. Can't say enough about people like that. They are definitely among my role models.

Jack ( OH)

If you could invite ANY three people to dinner, who do you choose?

Jessica Merchant

  (2:08 PM)

Well, our team has a couple favorite people so let's see ... I'd invite Madonna for Hutch ... I would invite Ellen -- b/c our team loves her standup comedy DVD ... and I would also invite Ozzie Ozbourne b/c he was a big team favorite my freshman year. THe team would really be appreciative if we could have that dinner party!!

Frank (Shaw AFB, SC)

There has been an afull lot of tv time given to softball this season, mostly due to the lack of hockey. How important is the exposure for the game right now and do you feel you can help increase intrest?

Jessica Merchant

  (2:09 PM)

Having softball on TV all year has been great for the sport. YOu can't say enough aobut national exposure like that. It's been great for the sport and I definitely think it will help increase interest and support throughout the country.

The ShowGirl

  (2:10 PM)

Easy Frank ... softball ratings were higher than NHL ratings before the lockout. True story!

Max (Idaho)

What is your opinion about the changes in the playoff structure the NCAA softball championships made in the last couple years? Do you think it is an improvement? Could you see a 64 team bracket like College Basketball uses?

Jessica Merchant

  (2:11 PM)

I think the new structure has worked out well so far this year ... but I guess you could talk to me again on June 9th and I'll tell you how much I really liked it.

Mack Ann Arbor MI

I Heart Jessica Merchant. Good Luck tomorrow. See you there!!!!

Jessica Merchant

  (2:13 PM)

Thanks Mack, I heart you, too. Thanks for joining me today, everybody, the support is definitely felt throughout the team, we wouldn't be here without you. I have to go to practice. Hopefully we'll see you in Oklahoma City!

The ShowGirl

  (2:15 PM)

Thanks Jessica. Good luck! Folks, Cat Osterman is up next. Stay tuned -- ESPN.com's college softball bonanza continues!