Wolverines Drop Back-and-Forth Home Opener to Washington

Friday, March 20

Ann Arbor, Mich.

5:00 PM

Michigan

19-10, 0-4

Washington

24-6, 7-0

Washington

Michigan

Maddie Erickson (Michigan Photography)

Wolverines Drop Back-and-Forth Home Opener to Washington

3/20/2026 8:54:00 PM | Softball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan fell 9-7 to Washington in a slugfest in its home opener at Hutchins Stadium.
» Jenissa Conway and Lauren Putz posted two hits apiece and combined for three runs, while Maddie Erickson and Ella Stephenson belted solo homers.
» Michigan allowed seven walks and committed four errors; four of Washington's nine runs were unearned.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan softball team battled throughout a back-and-forth contest but came up just short in a 9-7 loss to Washington in its home opener on Friday evening (March 20) at the Wilpon Complex, home of Hutchins Stadium and Alumni Field.

Michigan's offense produced 11 hits and seven runs, with multiple players turning in strong performances, as the Wolverines answered Washington's scoring throughout the game. Junior center fielder Jenissa Conway set the tone near the top of the order, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored, while sophomore right fielder Lauren Putz added a perfect day at the plate, finishing 2-for-2 with two runs scored and a pair of walks.

Junior right-handed pitcher Erin Hoehn contributed on both sides, tallying two hits and two RBI, including a run-scoring double in the third. The Wolverines got their biggest swings from junior left fielder Ella Stephenson and senior third baseman Maddie Erickson, who each drove in two runs and launched solo home runs late to keep Michigan within striking distance.

Michigan drew seven walks, but free passes and defensive miscues proved costly on the other side. The Wolverines issued seven walks in the circle and committed four errors, allowing Washington to extend innings, notably a two-out, two-run throwing error in the top of the sixth that complicated Michigan's attempted comeback.

In the circle, junior RHP Gabby Ellis (8-3) got the start, throwing three innings and allowing five runs -- just three earned -- while working through early traffic. Hoehn entered in relief and provided a steady effort over four innings, striking out six while allowing four runs, two earned.

Both teams finished with 11 hits, but timely hitting and the ability to take advantage of extra chances helped the Huskies secure the win.

The Wolverines (19-10, 0-4 Big Ten) will look to bounce back as they continue their home series against Washington on Saturday (March 21) at 2 p.m. at Hutchins Stadium. Tickets are available through the U-M Ticket Office, and the game will be streamed live on B1G+.