ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ? Wisconsin scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to defeat the Drake softball team 4-3 at the New Mexico Invitational Saturday (Feb. 21).

The Bulldogs scored two runs in the third when junior Elena Leon (West Des Moines, Iowa/Valley) hit a two-out home run, scoring junior  Kelsey Kahler (North Liberty, Iowa/Clear Creek-Amana) who reached base on a walk.

The Badgers has runners on first and second with one out in the bottom of the third before sophomore Jenna DeLong (Dalton Gardens, Idaho/Coeur d'Alene) struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Wisconsin scored one in the bottom of the sixth on single to DeLong, a sacrifice and a single to right field.

In the top of the seventh Drake added a run when Bridget Shields (Iowa City, Iowa/West) grounded out to second base, scoring Kahler. Kahler had started the inning with a single to left center and advanced to second on an  error by the catcher in a  failed pickoff attempt. Leon singled to left center, advancing Kahler to third.

Wisconsin scored three in the seventh to secure the win, starting with a home run. Junior Mandy Osborn (Blair, Neb./Blair) came in relief after DeLong gave up a single to right field.

DeLong intentionally walked the bases loaded after giving up an infield bunt for a single. The next batter drew a walk, giving the Badgers their second run of the inning, tying the score 3-3. The Badgers successfully executed a squeeze play, give them the 4-3 victory.

Osborn collected the loss, going 0.1 innings, allowing two hits and one run. DeLong threw six innings, striking out eight and walking one.

Leon was 3-for-4 with two RBI and one run scored. Freshman Torey Craddock (Tucson, Ariz./Salpointe Catholic) was 2-for-3 and Shields, Erin Bly (Frankfort, Ill./Lincoln Way East) and Kahler had one hit apiece.