This weekend proves to be as big as any for the Wisconsin softball team (7-5 Big Ten, 26-16 overall). The Badgers have four home Big Ten games this weekend, the first two coming against No. 21 Iowa (9-4, 31-16) and a doubleheader Sunday against Northwestern (9-5, 21-14-1). The Badgers and Hawkeyes meet for the first time this season in what should be an intriguing matchup.
After the series versus Iowa, the Badgers will play host to Northwestern, who is on a road swing and will stop at Minnesota before coming to Wisconsin.
Wisconsin is in the No. 5 slot in the Big Ten standings and looks to relocate closer to the top in its six remaining conference games. Meanwhile, Iowa holds the No. 3 spot, with hopes of catching No. 1 Ohio State. Both teams look to end the season on a high note, with the Big Ten Tournament only two weeks away.
\It's a pivotal weekend for us,"" UW Head Coach Karen Gallagher said. ""We need to step up and play well. This is a key weekend to set ourselves up to make sure we are looked upon when it comes to the NCAAs.""
Although a rarity this season, the Badgers will have the luxury of playing the entire weekend at home, where they have posted an impressive 4-1 record this season.
""With the few games that we do have this season, I think we are ready to take advantage of it,"" junior catcher Nicki Starry said.
The Badgers have spent much of their Big Ten season on the road, in addition to the multiple tournaments that began the season. After the four home games this weekend, the Badgers will play their remaining three games at home as well.
""We are on the road so much that being home is great,"" Gallagher added. ""It's great to play the last couple games at home, in front of your home crowd. The kids can relax and take care of business.""
Iowa comes into the weekend lead by Big Ten pitcher of the year Kristi Hanks (16-11, 1.65 ERA). Her statistics do not reflect her ability to dominate a game, as she has become one of the most feared pitchers in the country. Hanks blew away opponents last season posting a 39-8 record along with a 0.81 ERA.
""She's a competitor,"" Gallagher said. ""Our kids have to be on top of their game. A pitcher like that doesn't make too many mistakes, so we have to be ready when she does.""
The Wildcats will also provide some tough competition, as they feature a powerful hitter, senior catcher Gretchen Barnes, who will attempt to break her single-season school record of seven home runs.
As tough as the upcoming weekend will be for the Badgers, the players and coaches said they are extremely confident that they will show up and take care of business. The Badgers know that they need to play nearly flawless game in order to come out on top against two extremely tough teams.
""We both want it just as bad as the other,"" junior pitcher Andrea Kirchberg said. ""We need to fine their weak spots and attack those.""
Starry says the team looks to prove to its opponents that UW is a formidabe Big Ten foe.
""We are looking forward to playing [Iowa] again and showing them where we should be in the Big Ten standings,"" Starry said.
