Wolverines Sacrifice Late Lead in Loss at No. 16 Stanford

Sunday, February 26

Palo Alto, Calif.

1:30 PM PT

Michigan

7-8

Stanford

14-2

Michigan

Stanford

Janelle Ilacqua (Michigan Photography)

Wolverines Sacrifice Late Lead in Loss at No. 16 Stanford

2/26/2023 7:53:00 PM | Softball

Box Score

By: Leah Howard

» Michigan scored in the second and led for several innings before sacrificing the lead late in a 3-1 loss at No. 16 Stanford.
» The Cardinal evened the score in the fifth and plated two runs in the sixth.
» Jessica LeBeau struck out five Stanford batters and allowed eight hits and no walks in the loss.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- The University of Michigan softball team scored early but sacrificed the lead late in its Stanford Invitational finale, falling to No. 16 host Stanford, 3-1, on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 26) at Smith Family Stadium.

The Cardinal evened the score with a two-out RBI single in the fifth and plated two more in the sixth to take the lead. Stanford posted back-to-back hits with one out in the latter frame, including an RBI triple to the right center gap to push across the winning run.

Michigan scored its run after three hits in the second. With runners on the corners, graduate student outfielder Ellie Mataya dribbled a swinging bunt to the third baseman to score freshman second baseman Janelle Ilacqua from third. Ilacqua led the Wolverines with two hits -- her third multi-hit game in eight starts.

The Wolverines were not without other chances with six hits and eight left on base, notably leaving the bases loaded after loading them up with one out in the top of the sixth. Michigan also put two in scoring position with one out in the fifth before a low liner right at the Stanford shortstop keyed an inning-ending double play.

Junior RHP Jessica LeBeau (4-3) was strong from the circle, striking out five Cardinal batters while allowing three runs on eight hits and no walks.

The Wolverines (7-8) will travel to Moraga, Calif., for a midweek slate against Saint Mary's on Tuesday (Feb. 28). The game is scheduled for a 2 p.m. PST start at the Gaels' Cottrell Field.