ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan softball team will play a seven-game fall schedule, highlighted by hosting the National Pro Fastpitch All-Star team on Oct. 4 at the Wilpon Complex, home of Alumni Field.

U-M will once again play in the Traverse City Collegiate Tournament, Sept. 29-30, in Traverse City, Mich. Play will kick off as the Maize and Blue face Western Michigan at 10:30 a.m., Ferris State at noon and Central Michigan at 2 p.m. The weekend will conclude with two more games on Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The tournament will be at Traverse City West High School.

Michigan will then welcome the National Pro Fastpitch All-Star team to the Wilpon Complex on Oct. 4 at 6 p.m., as part of the NPF's Back to School Tour. Former Wolverine and current volunteer coach Nikki Nemitz will start in the circle for the NPF team, which has gone 41-1 in two years on the tour. Admission to the game is $8 and seating will be general admission. Tickets can be purchased online.

"We are looking forward to the opportunity to play a marquee game during our fall season," head coach Carol Hutchins said. "This is a great opportunity for the fans to get a glimpse of the new team and helps our freshmen get used to playing in a big game collegiate atmosphere. We would love a packed house for this game."

Following the contest, both teams will hold a meet-and-greet session, allowing fans an opportunity for autographs and photos.

The fall season ends Oct. 9 when Michigan hosts Eastern Michigan at 3:30 p.m. Admission to this contest is free.

U-M returns 15 letterwinners from last year's team, which won its fifth consecutive Big Ten championship and advanced to Super Regional action in the NCAA Tournament.

2012 Michigan Softball Fall Schedule