EAST LANSING— After a bitter loss to Central Michigan, Michigan State softball looks to get back into the win column against its in-state rival, Michigan.  

Gearing up for a trip over to Ann Arbor this weekend, the Spartans hope to break their streak of 10 straight losses against the Wolverines. Michigan has been racking up the wins itself, winning six straight.  

For the Spartans, it’s been junior Hannah Hawley who has stepped it up when at bat. Hawley currently leads the team with a .338 batting average, seven home runs and 24 hits, sharing that title with sophomore Kendall Smiley.  

Hawley hit a home run against Ohio State in the second game of the series, which the Spartans lost 7-3.  

The Wolverines, however, have all their bases covered. 

Senior right-handed pitcher Lauren Derkowski currently leads the conference with four shutouts. Her 1.87 ERA and 101.1 innings pitched also ranks her in the top five.

Freshman Lauren Putz leads the Wolverines in all categories. The freshman shined in the game against Western Michigan where she went 2-for-3, two runs scored, and three RBIs.  

The weekend series kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. at Hutchins Stadium in Ann Arbor. All games will be aired on Big Ten Plus.