MADISON, Wis. -- Talk about starting off on a good note. The Wisconsin softball team run-ruled Iowa 8-0 in the opening game of the series on Friday night at Goodman Diamond. Wisconsin (28-5 overall, 5-2 B1G) used a seven-run surge in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings to run past Iowa (15-16, 1-6).
 
Same story, different game… Kayla Konwent led the Badgers with three hits on the day. She hit a leadoff single to start the game and her pinch runner Gabby Scherle would put the Badgers on the board via a Stephanie Lombardo single.
 
Konwent struck again in the bottom of the fourth with a double to deep right field that scored Ally Miklesh who reached base on a walk. Taylor Johnson kept the fun flowing with a single that scored Konwent. Johnson tacked on a run of her own, scoring all the way from second base on a Lombardo sacrifice fly. Junior Heather Rudnicki would cap off the inning with a successful stolen base attempt that ended in a run after an Iowa throwing error.
 
Leading 5-0, Wisconsin started the bottom of the sixth with back-to-back walks. Kelly Welsh advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Both would score in the next at-bat when Miklesh doubled up the left side. One run away from a run-rule win, Konwent singled up the middle to score Miklesh and end the game.
 
Junior Kaitlyn Menz pitched a stellar six innings for UW. She struck out five while only allowing three hits for her 12th win of the season.
 
On deck
The Badgers are back in action for game two against the Hawkeyes tomorrow at 1 p.m.