UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State softball team (17-15, 2-2 Big Ten) dropped the opening game of the conference series to No. 25 Wisconsin (25-5, 2-2 Big Ten), 13-0, Friday evening at Nittany Lion Softball Park and Beard Field.
"Obviously that was not the outcome we wanted tonight," said head coach Amanda Lehotak. "We were not sharp tonight. Honestly we're going to let tonight go and it's all about tomorrow. We have a three game series and tomorrow's a new day and that's all we're focusing on right now."
The first two innings were a defensive battle, with Wisconsin posting a lead-off double for the only hit in those innings.
The ranked Badgers got in front in the top of the third after a walk and fielder's choice put two runners on before Taylor Johnson smashed a three-run home run to left center field for the 3-0 Wisconsin lead.
Wisconsin tacked on eight runs on five hits in the fourth inning after a couple defensive misplays by the Nittany Lions.
Freshman Chelsea Bisi had the lone hit for Penn State in the bottom of the frame to put her reached-base streak at 13.
Wisconsin added two runs on two hits in the fifth to end the game on a run-rule.
The series continues with game two at Nittany Lion Softball Park and Beard Field on Saturday with first pitch scheduled for 3 p.m.