CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Solid pitching by Kaitlyn Menz and constant pressure from the Badgers at the plate helped the Wisconsin softball team defeat North Carolia, 6-0, Sunday morning to close out the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. UW finished 2-2 on the weekend, splitting their games against ACC foes Pittsburgh and North Carolina.
Â
The Badgers were the first to strike, scoring three runs in the second inning. Taylor Johnson drew a walk and advanced to second on a Brianna Flugar single to left field. Jordan Little kept things rolling with a lethal bunt to load the bases. Samantha Arents picked up an RBI by drawing a walk and scoring Johnson.
Â
The scoring did not stop there. A Kelsey Jenkins single sent Flugaur home and Brooke Wyderski was walked with the bases still loaded helping the Badgers take a 3-0 lead after two innings.
Â
UW tacked on two more runs in the top of the fifth to increase their lead. With the bases loaded once again, Kelley Welsh was hit by a pitch and Jenkins drew the Badgers' third walk for an RBI for a 5-0 UW advantage.
Â
Wyderski polished things off with a home run to left field in the sixth inning, her first of the season and seventh as a Badger, for a 6-0 Wisconsin win. Â
Â
Notes to know
- Kaitlyn Menz recorded her first shutout of the season and the sixth of her career.
- The Badgers have homered in three straight games thanks to Wyderski's blast in the sixth.
- UW collected a season-high seven walks against the Tar Heels.
Â
On deck
The Badgers are off to sunny Palm Springs, California for the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic next weekend. On Thursday UW will face No. 13 Auburn and No. 19 Oklahoma State. Friday the Badgers play Fresno State before going up against Missouri and San Jose State on Saturday. Wisconsin caps off the weekend playing No. 4 Washington on Sunday.
