Michigan softball begins season 2-3 at USF-Rawlings Invitational

Michigan softball is coming off a 2024 season in which it won its 11th Big Ten tournament title and later fell to Oklahoma State in the NCAA regional final. It finished with a record of 43-18 and won 29 of its last 36 games. 

Over the opening weekend of the 2025 campaign, the Wolverines didn’t seem to be at their best.

Young pitchers get rocked in Michigan softball’s opening weekend

The Wolverines opened the season in Tampa, Fla., as part of the USF-Rawlings Invitational. The first of two double-headers began on Friday with a matchup against Delaware. The Wolverines allowed five runs in the first inning en route to an 8-2 loss. Sophomore starting pitcher Erin Hoehn hit three batters with pitches and gave up three hits in the first seven at-bats of the game.

New: Michigan basketball ‘in great position’ heading into important stretch

Senior pitcher Lauren Derkowski stepped into the circle for game two against host USF, and she pitched a complete game shutout. Derkowski allowed just five hits in 24 at-bats and recorded three strikeouts. Michigan came out on top 1-0 after centerfielder Jessica Conway forced a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, scoring pinch runner Cece Thorington.

Derkowski came back out Saturday morning to start game three against Illinois State, and she once again allowed zero runs in seven full innings. This time it was complete dominance from start to finish, allowing just two hits to go with ten strikeouts. Michigan was able to get four runs across the plate, including two home runs from first baseman Lauren Putz and designated player Lilly Vallimont, respectively. 

The Wolverines were clobbered by No. 3 Florida Saturday afternoon, getting mercied in five innings (13-1). Hoehn got the start again, and not much changed from her first outing. Hoehn allowed six hits and one walk in ten at-bats, resulting in five earned runs by the time she was pulled in the second inning. A grand slam ended the game in the fifth frame.

Michigan left ten on base in a 2-0 loss to Georgia Southern on Sunday. Freshman pitcher Haley Ferguson started in the circle, and she gave up four hits, two walks and two earned runs in her debut. Derkowski relieved her in the second inning and allowed just one hit the rest of the game, but the Wolverines couldn’t manage to get a run on the board.

More: Michigan men’s basketball moves up to No. 20 in AP poll following two hard-fought wins

Michigan can put itself back on track in the Red and Black Showcase this weekend, beginning with a 6 p.m. game against No. 10 Georgia on Thursday.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms