PUTZ POWER!! 🚀

Wolverines got one back on a Conway RBI double, then the rookie went yard for two runs and our first lead!

(It was reviewed and ruled *not* fan interference.) pic.twitter.com/Wx7eBaC4Kh

— Michigan Softball (@umichsoftball) May 16, 2025

The Michigan softball team, which earned an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament by winning the Big Ten Tournament, got a major boost from freshman Lauren Putz and her two-run home run to win the Wolverines’ first game of the Austin Regional.

Michigan took the lead in the top of the sixth inning and held on to beat UCF, 4-3, in the first game at Austin, Texas, on Friday. The Wolverines will face regional host Texas at 1 p.m. Saturday (ESPN) in the double-elimination weekend.

This was the seventh time the Wolverines (39-19) came from behind for a win this season. It’s also their seventh straight victory and 17th straight neutral-site victory, the longest active streak in the nation. UCF, making its fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, is 33-23-1.

Michigan trailed 3-1 before it scored three runs in the sixth inning. Jenissa Conway had an RBI double and Putz, who went 2-for-3, smacked a two-run home run.

UCF took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first, but Michigan responded in the second with a leadoff home run by Ella Stephenson, who also went 2-for-3.

In the fifth, UCF snapped a 1-1 tie and built a 3-1 lead when Erin Hoehn, who entered the game in relief, gave up a bases-loaded walk and an RBI single. The Wolverines almost gave up another run but Conway threw out the runner at the plate.

Michigan coach Bonnie Tholl continued with her two-pitcher approach. Lauren Derkowski started and went 4â…“ innings, giving up six hits and three runs with four strikeouts. She reentered the game with two outs and runners on first and second and threw her fourth strikeout to preserve the victory.

Hoehn pitched 2â…” innings and gave up four hits.

Michigan is making its 31st NCAA Tournament appearance and second straight after missing out in 2023, Tholl’s first season. The winner of the Austin Regional advances to a Super Regional against the winner of the regional being hosted by Clemson. The Wolverines haven’t reached a Super Regional since 2016.

Austin Regional

FRIDAY

Game 1: Michigan 4, UCF 3

Game 2: Texas 10, Eastern Illinois 2

SATURDAY

Game 3: Texas vs. Michigan, 1 p.m., ESPN

Game 4: UCF vs. Eastern Illinois, 3:30 p.m., ESPN+ (loser eliminated)

Game 5: Loser of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 6 p.m., TV TBD (loser eliminated)

SUNDAY

Game 6: Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 5, 1 p.m., TV TBD

Game 7 (if necessary): 3:30 p.m., TV TBD

achengelis@detroitnews.com

@chengelis

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