Badgers edged by Illinois in series finale

Sunday, March 24

Champaign, IL

NOON

Wisconsin Badgers

22-5, 1-2

Illinois

20-7, 2-1

Wisconsin

Illinois

Photo by: Tom Lynn

Badgers edged by Illinois in series finale

March 24, 2019 | Softball

Box Score

Fish tallies first career home run

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The No. 23 Wisconsin softball team suffered a heart-breaking loss to Illinois Sunday afternoon at Eichelberger Field. The Illini edged the Badgers, 6-5 to win two out of three games on the weekend.

It was the Badgers (22-5, 1-2) who struck first after freshman Jolie Fish hit a solo home run over the left field wall to make it a 1-0 game.

After Illinois (20-7 overall, 2-1 B1G) knotted the game with a home run in the bottom of the second, UW regained the lead with two more runs in the top of the third inning. Junior Caroline Hedgcock scored the first run on a single to left center and Fish struck again in the next at bat with a beautifully placed bunt to score Taylor Johnson.

Taking a 3-2 lead into the fifth inning, consecutive hits helped tack on UW's fourth run of the game. Johnson reached base on a single and was sent home when senior Stephanie Lombardo doubled to center field. Illinois was also able to score a run in the frame, making it a 4-3 ball game.

Sophomore Lauren Foster made some noise in the sixth inning with a hit that landed her all the way on third base. She was able to increase UW's lead to 5-3 thanks to a Kelly Welsh bunt.

The game seemed to be in Wisconsin's hands late in the seventh inning, but Illinois was able to rally with two outs and nobody on. A bases-loaded double ultimately ended the game, with the Illini winning 6-5.

Junior Kaitlyn Menz pitched all seven innings in the game. She struck out five batters during the contest.

THAT BALL'S OUTTA HERE!!!👋👋👋

First homer as a Badger for freshman Jolie Fish! Badgers lead 1-0!! #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/AHNITx1A6G
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) March 24, 2019

Notes to know

Fish's home run was her first as a Badger.
Johnson finished the weekend with a team-high eight hits.
The Badgers lost two-straight games for the first time this season.

On deck

The Badgers open up their home season Tuesday afternoon, hosting Northern Iowa for a double header. Games are scheduled for 3 and 5 p.m. at Goodman Diamond.