Wisconsin Softball Defeats Baylor in Walk-Off Victory to Advance in NCAA Tournament

The Wisconsin Badgers softball team advanced in the NCAA Tournament after securing a dramatic 2-1 walk-off victory over Baylor in the first round of the Austin regional. The game, played on May 15, 2026, featured a tense pitchers' duel that extended into extra innings. Wisconsin shortstop Hannah Conger delivered the decisive blow in the ninth inning with a double that scored Alivia Bark, marking the program's third-ever walk-off win in NCAA Tournament history. Wisconsin ace Shelby Jacobson was instrumental in the victory, throwing a complete 141-pitch game and limiting Baylor to just one run despite allowing six hits and six walks. Baylor had earlier tied the game in the seventh inning after trailing due to defensive errors in the sixth. Both starting pitchers, including Baylor’s Peyton Tanner, threw complete games. Following this win, Wisconsin remains in the winners’ bracket and is scheduled to face the winner of the match between host Texas and Wagner. The Badgers are set to play their next game on Saturday, May 16, with potential matchups against the reigning national champions, Texas.