PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico. - The Wisconsin softball team battled tough in its first two games of the 2023 season in the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge, falling to California Baptist in the first game 2-0 and BYU 1-0 in the second.

California Baptist

It was a scoreless game for both teams for the first four innings as tough defense and great pitching controlled the pace. Senior Tessa Magnanimo got the start in the circle for Wisconsin and completed 6.2 innings on the day. In those innings, Maganimo struck out three batters and allowed just four hits while keeping the game at zero through four innings of work.

Things began to happen in the top of the fifth as the Lancers put runners on first and second base. Wisconsin's Skylar Sirdashney was ready for action, though, as the junior third-baseman dove for what looked like a diving catch and throw for the double play at first. However, as the ball was ruled down, the Lancers took advantage of the advanced runners and scored two in that same inning. 

Katie Linkletter, earning her first substantial playing time as a redshirt freshman, made two superb catches to keep the score close throughout the game. However, despite the tough defense and great pitching, Wisconsin struggled at the plate.

The Badgers were unable to accumulate a hit throughout seven innings while scattering five runners on base due to walks and a hit by pitch.

Maddie Schwartz came in to finish the game and pitched 1.1 innings while facing six batters. Despite Schwartz not giving up a hit or run, the Badgers fell to CBU 0-2 in its first matchup to date.

BYU

Wisconsin looked to rebound from the previous loss in the second game of the Puerto Vallarta Challenge against Birmingham Young University, however, they were once again shutout, 1-0.

In the first inning, the Cougars racked up three hits leading to the game's only run scored. However, Katie Keller responded right back in the bottom of the inning, rattling a double off the fence for her first hit as a Badger. Keller would later be stranded at second. The top of the lineup all went 1-for-3 as Sklyar Sirdashney and Kayla Konwent each added a hit throughout the seven innings alongside Keller. 

Although Maddie Schwartz came out on the losing side, the fifth-year senior gave up just one run and three hits, all of which were accumulated in the first inning. Schwartz threw for three strikeouts and just three walks while facing 26 batters. 

The Badgers will return to action tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. central time to face the No. 24 Oregon Ducks.