For former Patriot League Player of the Year Ashley Sofilkanich, Michigan’s first-round game means more

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 6: Ashley Sofilkanich #15 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the game against the Oregon Ducks in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 6, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) | Getty Images The opening weekend for No. 2 seed Michigan women’s basketball junior forward Ashley Sofilkanich in the NCAA Tournament feels a little different this year.

First and foremost, it’s her first appearance in March Madness after transferring from Bucknell at the start of the season. But it’s also an opportunity for Sofilkanich, as part of the heavily-favored Wolverines, to capture an ever-elusive first career win against No. 15 Holy Cross on Friday at 5:30 p.

m. to open the first round. Sofilkanich began her college career at Bucknell, which, like the Crusaders, competes in the Patriot League.

However, the Bison fell to Holy Cross all five times in Sofilkanich’s time facing the Crusaders, losing in the Patriot League tournament to end the 2023-24 season. Her freshman year, she was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie, All-Defensive, and third teams while starting 28 of 31 games and averaging 12. 5 points and 6.