Michigan softball looks to repeat as Big Ten tournament champions, readies for first round matchup with Wisconsin

Michigan softball (34-19, 11-11 Big Ten) is looking to win the Big Ten tournament for the second season in a row. The Wolverines have been to the tournament championship in three of the last four years, and they lead the conference all-time in championships (11), championship game appearances (17) and wins (49).

No. 8 seed Michigan begins its title defense against No. 9 seed Wisconsin on Wednesday (May 7) at 4 p.m. in West Lafayette, Ind. The game will be broadcasted live on the Big Ten Network.

Michigan softball opens Big Ten tournament against Wisconsin

The Wolverines played Wisconsin twice in the regular season, coming away with two wins by a total score of 14-3. Senior right hander Lauren Derkowski got the win in both games, with a total of eight strikeouts and two runs allowed on six hits in 10.0 innings. 

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Outfielder Jessica Conway had two hits in both games against the Badgers, and 2B/DH Indiana Langford had two hits in the first game to go with one in game two. Michigan was able to strand 12 Wisconsin runners on base in game two, and clutch pitching will be crucial in the postseason.

Derkowski won tournament MVP in 2024, as she got the win in all three games with dominant performances in the circle. Now a senior, Derkowski can be expected to start every game in this tournament as well.

Freshman designated player Lauren Putz is second on the team in batting average (.391) and home runs (13). Conway, a sophomore, had a .432 batting average in Big Ten play this season, including ten home runs.

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If the Wolverines beat Wisconsin, they move on to play No. 1 seeded Oregon Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

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