HOUSTON, Texas – The Wisconsin softball team was able to complete its third game of the Hilton Plaza Classic, defeating Princeton 16-2, before field conditions forced the Badgers to postpone their game against host Houston until Sunday.

The Badgers (15-2) started the day with a statement, blowing past Princeton (0-3) in five innings, 16-2.

Wisconsin scored eight runs in the third inning alone, highlighted by a grand slam from sophomore Melanie Cross that junior Samantha Arents followed up with a solo dinger to take a double-digit lead, 10-0.

After junior Brianna Flugaur secured a base hit to lead off the third inning, Princeton walked four consecutive Badgers to bring Flugaur and junior Kelsey Jenkins home for a 4-0 lead. Sophomore Stephanie Lombardo brought in another run with a single to center before Cross stepped up to the plate and went yard down the left field line, upping the lead to 9-0. Arents then homered left on the next at bat for a 10-0 advantage.

Princeton put two on the board in the bottom of the third with a pair of RBI singles, but the Badgers responded by widening the lead with another four runs in the fourth and two in the fifth on a two-RBI homer from Cross that clinched the 16-2 victory.

The rain halted the Badgers just as they were getting started against Houston. Wisconsin scored a pair of runs in the fifth inning to take a 2-0 lead before the game was called due field conditions.

In the top of the fifth, Jenkins sent a double all the way to the fence, bringing home Welsh who reached first base on a Cougar throwing error earlier in the inning. Wyderski then knocked a single to center to score Jenkins to up the Wisconsin lead, 2-0, before the rain moved in.
 
Notes to Know:
-Wisconsin tied a program-record eight runs in the third inning against Princeton. 
-The Badgers recorded a season-high walks (10), runs (16), RBI (15) and home runs (3) against the Tigers 
-Sophomore Melanie Cross had a team season-high seven RBI against Princeton. 
-Senior Kirsten Stevens pitched all five innings against Princeton, striking out two batters.
-Samantha Arents led all Badgers in hits, going a perfect 3-for-3 at bat. Chloe Miller and Melanie Cross each recorded two hits as well.
-Melanie Cross recorded seven RBI against the Tigers with a grand slam and a two-run homer. Her seven RBI are tied for second in program history.
 
Details from the Dugout:
"This morning was a fun game to see some new faces lead the charge. Melanie Cross had a monster day, with two home runs and seven RBI. She's been battling to find her groove this season. We knew it was only a matter of time before she broke through.
 
"We're also proud of Sam Arents and her pinch hit home run. She looked balanced and time up all day. Kirsten Stevens did a great job leading the way on the mound. Princeton has a lot of really tough lefties that she has to compete with."
-UW head coach Yvette Healy
 
Up Next:
The Badgers continue the Hilton Plaza Classic on Sunday with a rematch, facing Princeton at 9 a.m. CT at the Cougar Softball Stadium. Wisconsin will then complete its game against Houston, picking up in the bottom of the fifth inning.