MADISON, Wis. - The  University of Wisconsin-Madison softball team hosted the University of Illinois for the Badgers first home game of the 2023 season and came away with the win with a final score of 6-2. 

Despite a wet field, the Badgers utilized their home-field advantage at Goodman Diamond as a surge of energy for it's home opener. The Fighting Illini, however, made their presence known scoring early in the first inning with two singles and a 2-RBI double to start the game. Kayla Konwent didn't let the visitors hold on to their lead for long, though, as the graduate student knocked one out of the park to score both her and Katie Keller, who had doubled to the right center prior to Konwent's seventh home run of the year.

The score remained at two for both teams until the fourth inning. Ellie Hubbard gave Wisconsin the lead while ripping a shot over the right center field wall for her first home run as a Badger. In the fifth inning, Wisconsin extended their lead following a Keller walk and Konwent taking a pitch to the arm. Brooke Kuffel then singled to score Keller and Marytherese Nevin, who was pinch-running for Konwent. Ellie Hubbard carried the momentum into her at bat and smacked an RBI-double to score Bree Mitchell, the pinch runner for Brooke Kuffel. 

Wisconsin went up 6-2 and held on to the lead in the final two innings thanks to the strong work of the defense and solid pitching. Tessa Magnanimo led the way on the mound and was lights out in the seven innings she pitched. The senior gave up only five hits and two earned runs while striking out nine batters, a career record for the Los Angeles native. Her previous record was eight K's against Maine in her junior season. 

The Badgers are now 3-1 in Big Ten play and will look to add another win tomorrow against the Fighting Illini. Saturday's game was originally scheduled for 1 p.m., but first pitch will now be at 3 p.m. for the second game of the series against Illinois.