First Inning Benefits, Hurts U-M in Split Against Boston College, No. 11 Virginia Tech

Thursday, March 5

Salem, Va.

4:00 PM

Michigan

18-5

Boston College

7-13

Boston College

Michigan

Lilly Vallimont (Michigan Photography)

First Inning Benefits, Hurts U-M in Split Against Boston College, No. 11 Virginia Tech

3/5/2026 10:11:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan split its first Hokie Invitational games, scoring five runs in the first inning in a 7-1 win against Boston College before falling 5-3 to No. 11 Virginia Tech after the Hokies' five-run first.
» Erin Hoehn homered against Virginia Tech and fanned five batters in relief, allowing just one baserunner over the final 5.2 innings pitched.
» Lilly Vallimont also homered in the BC game, while Indiana Langford went 2-for-3 with three runs, a walk and an RBI.

SALEM, Va. -- The University of Michigan softball team split its first two games at the Hokie Invitational, cruising past Boston College 7-1 before falling 5-3 to No. 11 Virginia Tech on Thursday evening (March 5) at the James Moyer Softball Complex.

Michigan took advantage of a fast start in its tournament opener, scoring three runs in the first and two more in the second to build a sizable early lead against BC. Redshirt junior catcher Lilly Vallimont launched a two-run homer with two outs in the former frame after senior designated player Indiana Langford drew a leadoff walk and came around to score the game's first run.

Langford also scored and drove in a run in the second. Senior second baseman Janelle Ilacqua sliced a one-out triple down the right-field line -- the first three-bagger of her collegiate career -- and scored on a Langford chopped RBI through the 5-6 hole past the diving Eagle shortstop. Langford then advanced on a groundout, stole third and scored when the throw to the base sailed down the left-field line.

The Wolverines added insurance runs on an RBI double from junior pinch hitter Reganne Bennett in the fifth and an RBI single from senior shortstop Avery Fantucci in the sixth -- both with two outs. Langford scored in the latter inning for her third run of the game.

Junior right-handed pitcher Gabby Ellis (8-1) earned the win from the circle, allowing one run on six hits -- notably, a solo homer in the second -- and one walk while striking out a pair.

It was the Wolverines who found themselves trailing early in the nightcap against Virginia Tech, which scored five runs in the first inning on five hits and a pair of walks. Junior RHP Erin Hoehn took over pitching duties with just one out in the first and allowed just one Hokie baserunner for the remainder of the game.

Hoehn also awakened the Michigan bats in her first turn at the plate in the second, belting out a two-run homer to left-center field for her third long ball in five games.

Michigan outhit the Hokies 7-6 but left eight runners stranded on base, including runners in scoring position in the fifth and sixth innings. Fantucci and junior left fielder Ella Stephenson posted back-to-back singles to open the sixth, then a Virginia Tech pitching change produced two quick strikeouts followed by consecutive walks, with Langford earning an RBI on the latter. A flyout in the next at-bat ended the rally and left the bases loaded.

For her part, Hoehn allowed just one hit and no walks over 5.2 innings with five strikeouts and retired 12 straight until a one-out single snapped her streak. Michigan responded with a 9-2 double play to end the fifth inning.

Sophomore RHP Kat Meyers (5-2) started and took the loss.

The Wolverines (18-6) will face Bryant at 10 a.m. on Friday (March 6) for their Hokie Invitational and spring break finale at the James Moyer Softball Complex.