Wolverines Sacrifice Lead in Loss to Washington

Saturday, March 21

Ann Arbor, Mich.

2:00 PM

Michigan

19-11, 0-5

Washington

25-6, 8-0

Washington

Michigan

Avery Fantucci (Michigan Photography)

3/21/2026 5:36:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan sacrificed a four-run lead in its 7-4 loss against Washington on Saturday at Huchins Stadium.
» Michigan totaled just three hits; Avery Fantucci and Jenissa Conway knocked out home runs.
» Washington also hit two homers, accounting for five of its seven runs.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan softball team led early but couldn't overcome a mid-game surge from Washington, falling 7-4 on Saturday afternoon (March 21) at the Wilpon Complex, home of Hutchins Stadium and Alumni Field.

Michigan was limited to three hits but made them count, with two swings accounting for all four runs. Senior shortstop Avery Fantucci jump-started the offense, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run -- her first of the season -- to open the scoring in the second inning. Sophomore centerfielder Jenissa Conway also came through at the plate, delivering a two-run homer in the third.

The Wolverines showed patience at the plate, drawing four walks, including two from sophomore rightfielder Lauren Putz, and worked to manufacture baserunners despite limited contact. Michigan left five runners on base in the game.

Junior RHP Gabby Ellis started and pitched 3.1 innings, allowing just one run while striking out two before Washington pulled away in the middle innings. The Huskies tied the game with a four-run fourth inning and added two more in the fifth, with five of their seven runs coming via a pair of home runs.

Sophomore RHP Haley Ferguson (1-1) took the loss, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks through 1.2 relief innings.

The Wolverines (19-11, 0-5 Big Ten) will close out the series tomorrow (Sunday, March 22) when they face the Huskies at noon at Hutchins Stadium. The contest will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.