PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Wisconsin softball team opened up the Mary Nutter Classic on a strong note, clawing past No. 6 Auburn, 3-2, before falling to No. 16 Oklahoma State, 3-2, in a walkoff. The Badgers handed the Tigers their first loss of the season behind an incredible performance from sophomore Kaitlyn Menz in the circle.

Auburn
Auburn (15-1) entered the weekend ranked No. 6 (NFCA/USA Today) in one poll and No. 12 (ESPN/ USA Softball) in the other with an undefeated record. But for the Badgers (5-5), Auburn was just another team and it was just another game. The Badgers wouldn't be intimidated in their opening game, taking down SEC powerhouse Auburn.

Wisconsin took the lead in the top of the sixth inning after a bizarre fielder's choice play. Senior Kelsey Jenkins led off the top of the frame by sending a single to left field and was followed up by a bunt single Gabby Scherle. Brooke Wyderski reached on a fielder's choice that caught Scherle at second but moved Jenkins to third. Catcher Melanie Cross hit one in but the Tigers overthrew on the attempted fielder's choice allowing both Wyderski and Jenkins to come home, giving UW the 3-2 advantage.

Menz was the hero of the game, keeping complete composure in the circle while striking out eight Tigers, just one short of her career high.

The first two innings were relatively quiet with the Badgers only giving up one hit and Auburn giving up none. Auburn broke out in the bottom of the third inning off of three hits to take a 2-0 lead. Despite Auburn's two runs in the third, the first four innings were truly a pitching duel, with the team's defenses bringing their "A" game.

Stephanie Lombardo was the difference maker in both the score and the momentum of the game in the bottom of the fourth, slamming out her second homer of the season to cut Auburn's lead to 2-1.

Oklahoma State
Despite holding the lead since the fourth inning, Wisconsin lost a heartbreaker when No. 16 Oklahoma State (9-2) walked off to take the 3-2 victory.

Freshman pitcher Haley Hestekin had a solid day in the circle, dealing six strikeouts to the highly-ranked Cowgirls and holding a no-hitter until the bottom of the fifth inning.

The top of the Badgers' lineup went off in the top of the fourth inning, putting the first run on the board. Jenkins, Scherle and Wyderski knocked in back-to-back-to-back singles, and Wyderski's brought Jenkins in to give UW the 1-0 lead.

Sophomore Heather Rudnicki clinched the Badgers' second run after she stole second and forced an Oklahoma State throwing error that allowed her to round the bases completely.

The Badgers held the lead over the Cowgirls until the bottom of the seventh inning when OSU's Montgomery tied it up after knocking out a sacrifice fly for an RBI. A Wisconsin error with the bases loaded and two outs allowed All-American Vanessa Shippy to bring in the walkoff run.

Cleanup – Four notes of the day:

• Junior Stephanie Lombardo broke up a three-appearance no-hit streak for Auburn's pitcher Makayla Martin.
• Sophomore Kaitlyn Menz had her fourth career win over a ranked opponent and first over a top-10 opponent. It was the Badgers' first time facing a ranked opponent and first win over a ranked opponent this season.
• Senior Kelsey Jenkins and junior Gabby Scherle both led the team with two hits on the day. The Badgers scored five runs on the day, led by Kelsey Jenkins who scored two.
• This was Wisconsin's seventh program win over a top-six opponent.

 

On Deck:

The Badgers have a quick turnaround and will face Fresno State at 12:30 p.m. CT tomorrow.