In a series-deciding game with postseason implications, both teams understood the importance of starting off hot offensively. It was Indiana who found a way to ride early momentum to a crucial victory.  

The Michigan softball team (30-19 overall, 8-13 Big Ten) fell to the Hoosiers (37-13, 14-7) in an 11-2 trouncing. From the start, the Wolverines found themselves chasing the game. 

The fireworks were on display early and often for both teams. After struggling to muster much power against junior right-hander Gabby Ellis in Game 2, Indiana responded forcefully in the top of the first with a two out grand slam from center fielder Ellie Goins. Just like that, Michigan faced another deficit to overcome early. 

However, the Wolverines responded to the initial Hoosier surge with some power of their own. Junior left fielder Ella Stephenson exhibited the exact power Michigan needed to stay in this game with a two-RBI home run to center. 

Early on, this game had the making of an offensive shootout. With both pitchers struggling to deal with the two prolific offenses along with a couple of fielding mishaps, it appeared that the series finale could turn into a race to double digits. That inspired more explosive offense in the second. 

Unmarred by the Wolverines’ answer, Indiana continued to cause problems at the plate and on the bases in the second inning. Although Ellis did not allow hard contact to start the frame, hard base running and strong plate discipline allowed the Hoosiers to put pressure on Michigan’s circle with runners on first and third. That set the table for another massive three-run home run from Indiana catcher Avery Parker to extend the lead to 7-2. That paved the way for an early exit for Ellis. 

After multiple strong innings of relief from sophomore right-hander Kat Meyers, it looked like the Wolverines had a beacon of hope with the Hoosiers’ offense slowing down. And with back to back singles from junior center fielder Jenissa Conway and redshirt junior catcher Lilly Vallimont, the opportunity to get back in the game was there. But unlike Indiana, Michigan struggled to capitalize with runners on base after a strikeout from senior second baseman Janelle Ilacqua stranded the bases loaded. 

Even though Indiana held a five run lead entering the fifth, the Wolverines actually matched the Hoosiers five hits at that point. The difference was, unlike Saturday, Indiana’s early power was too much to handle. Meanwhile, Michigan’s lack of similar clinical hitting made it difficult for it to climb out of that deficit.  

Following a strong start, Meyers finally could not hold off the Hoosiers’ offense. A second home run from Parker set the tone for the inning as Indiana put more pressure on the Wolverines with good plate discipline and base running. With yet another four run inning, the Hoosiers put Michigan on the verge of a mercy rule. 

And the Wolverines yet again were unable to respond. A leadoff bunt from senior designated player Indiana Langford was all the offense Michigan could manage in the fifth, with Indiana right hander Taylor Hess closing out a five inning performance with three consecutive outs against the top of the order. 

Thanks to early firepower, the Hoosiers were able to set the tone for the game and clinch an invaluable series victory. 

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It’s been almost 10 months since Caitlin Clark last suited up for the Indiana Fever. Clark made her long-awaited return Saturday against the New York Liberty in both teams’ first preseason games of the year, with the Fever notching a 109-91 win. The 2024 rookie of the year played just 13 games during her sophomore season as she navigated injuries before officially being shut down in September. As Clark enters her third season in the WNBA, the anticipation might rival that of her rookie year, con

NEW YORK (AP) — Caitlin Clark was excited to get back on the court Saturday and play in a WNBA game, even if it was just the preseason.

Indiana’s star played in her first game for the Fever in nine months after injuries derailed her second season, limiting her to 13 games.

“This isn’t a real game, I understand that, but that’s how we treat it like a real game,” Clark said before the Fever faced the New York Liberty. “I think anytime you get to put on your uniform and lace up your shoes you don’t take that for granted, especially after coming off last year when I didn’t get to do that very much.”

Clark said she had some nerves and only expected to play about 20-25 minutes.

“Get out there, run around, you know, it’s going to be a little sloppy for both teams,” she said. “That’s kind of what preseason games are.”

Fever coach Stephanie White noticed a difference in Clark this preseason as opposed to her first two in the league.

“I think that’s the thing, watching her play with joy,” White said. “In practice her energy is different, carrying herself in a different way.”

This wasn’t Clark’s first basketball game since suffering a season-ending injury last July. She played for USA Basketball in a World Cup qualifying tournament last month and earned Most Valuable Player honors.

“She was itchy and antsy before training camp started,” said White, who coached her in USA Basketball as well. “Glad she had those games with USA Basketball and came into training camp having played. Now it’s fine tuning.”

While Clark played, a few of the Fever’s others didn’t. Aliyah Boston was out while still recovering from a lower-leg injury. Lexie Hull is also working her way through a hamstring issue.

White said both would have played if it was a regular-season game.

The Fever were also without Ty Harris (knee) and Damiris Dantas, who is not with the team yet.

New York was missing Rebecca Allen, Marine Fauthoux and Satou Sabally, who were out to build their fitness up. Sabally was the biggest offseason acquisition by the Liberty, signing as a free agent.

Leonie Fiebich, Raquel Carrera, Pauline Astier and Ugonne Onyiah weren’t with the Liberty yet as they were finishing up their overseas commitments.

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