CMU softball shut down by Michigan in midweek contest
Central Michigan University sophomore first baseman London Williams runs to home plate after hitting a solo home run against the University of Michigan in Margo Jonker Stadium on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. (CM-Life | Trevor Sparks)
Central Michigan softball welcomed the Michigan Wolverines for a non-conference midweek competition. It was a tall task for the Chippewas, as they were nearly shut out and lost 8-1.
The two teams came together to recognize program and National Collegiate Athletic Association legends. Long-time Central Michigan softball head coach Margo Jonker and Michigan’s Carol Hutchins were celebrated and honored, with each throwing out ceremonial first pitches to kick off the day.
Between the two coaches, they amassed 2,975 total wins across 79 seasons combined. Both also have softball stadiums in their names at their universities.
“We’re extremely fortunate and grateful that those two agreed to be here today,” head coach McCall Salmon said. “It’s not every day you can get them, not only come to the game, but to do that. But that’s who they are, that’s what they represent, and they’re always giving back to the game, helping grow the sport.”
CMU wasn’t totally shut down by Wolverine pitchers as they collected seven hits and had opportunities, but they just couldn’t take advantage of baserunners.
“I think we didn’t have timely hits, and they did, and that’s basically the difference in the game,” Salmon said. “They’re a great program, great team, hit the ball well, and enjoyed hosting them."
The Wolverines loaded the bases after two hits and a hit by pitch in the top of the first. A shallow fly ball to center field was hit by the starting pitcher, junior Erin Hoehn, and senior Indiana Langford tagged up from third base, darting home for the first run of the game.
Michigan senior Maddie Erickson hammered a ball deep over the left-center field wall for a solo shot to lead off the second inning. Not long after the home run, junior Jenissa Conway roped a ball to right-center, sliding headfirst into third base and plating another run, extending the lead to 3-0.
Salmon called on senior Cierra Laska to relieve freshman Aubrey Strelow at the top of the sixth inning with the bases loaded and one out. The Wolverines had their best hitter, sophomore Lauren Putz, up to the plate, and she did not miss depositing one over the center field wall for a grand slam.
There was nearly another round-tripper for the Wolverines off the bat of junior Lilly Vallimont. The ball bounced off the top of the wall in right field back into play, as she rounded the bases and took a stand-up triple, driving in another run to make it 8-0 in the sixth inning.
Sophomore Kat Meyers had a fantastic day pitching for Michigan, after coming in to relieve Hoehn in the second inning. She had shut down the Chippewas’ offense until a home run from sophomore London Williams with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to prevent the game from ending early.
“I think we always learn a little bit about ourselves as a team, but we’re gritty, we’re fighters,” Salmon said. “I think London hitting that big home run in the sixth to extend it gives us another chance, another three outs. This team never gives up.”
No rally was curated in the seventh inning, as CMU went quietly to finish the game off, dropping the team's record to 20-17.
Central Michigan will be taking a weekend trip to Buffalo, New York, this upcoming weekend for a series against the Bulls.
