Ain’t it sweep: Badgers finish 4-0 at ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Sunday, February 17

Raleigh, NC

11:30 AM

Wisconsin Badgers

8-1

NC State

3-6

Wisconsin

NC State

Photo by: Tom Lynn

Ain’t it sweep: Badgers finish 4-0 at ACC/Big Ten Challenge

February 17, 2019 | Softball

Box Score

Wisconsin beats No. 17 NC State for fifth-straight win

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Wisconsin softball team defeated No. 17 North Carolina State for the second time this weekend, winning 6-3 at Dial Softball Stadium Sunday afternoon. The Badgers (8-1) were a perfect 4-0 this weekend at the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and picked up two ranked wins over NC State.

The Badgers got on the board in the third inning when senior Melanie Cross ripped a three-run homer to center field scoring Ally Miklesh and Jordan Little.

After giving up three runs to the Wolfpack in the bottom of the fourth, Wisconsin took its lead back in the top of the fifth with three more runs. Taylor Johnson started the inning with a walk and advanced to third base when Kayla Konwent doubled down the left field line. Both scored when Cross struck again, this time with a single to left.

The Badgers' final run came off a Kelly Welsh sacrifice bunt that scored Tyra Turner. Turner was on base pinch running for Stephanie Lombardo, who had singled via a bunt earlier in the frame.

Freshman Maddie Schwartz earned the win in the circle after 2.2 solid innings of relief work. Schwartz only allowed one hit in nine at bats and also struck out one batter. Junior Kaitlyn Menz earned the save in today's game.

SEE YA!!!!! 👍👐

Badgers lead 3-0 after Mel goes yard! pic.twitter.com/wXq9ZAmwlI
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) February 17, 2019

Batting clean-up: Four notes to know

Melanie Cross hit her team-leading fourth home run of the season. The senior also extended her on-base streak to nine games. Cross also tallied a season and game-high five RBI.
Kayla Knowent also extended her hitting streak to nine games after her double today.
On the weekend, Jolie Fish led the team with a .500 batting average. The freshman tallied five hits, two runs and a RBI in her 10 plate appearances.
Wisconsin outhit the Wolfpack 8-4 in its final contest of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Up next

Next weekend the Badgers travel to Corpus Christi, Texas for the Islander Invitational. The tournament begins Friday at 10:30 a.m. when UW plays host Texas A&M- Corpus Christi.