Ever since early February a group of 19 girls has been spending its weekends away from Wisconsin's low temperatures and occasional snowfalls to play softball.
The UW softball team (9-9) has competed in four tournaments and will attend one more before the Big Ten season begins. The Badgers have had difficulty getting ready for the games practicing indoors on Astroturf and going to play tough opponents on the weekends, but the weather is something that, in Wisconsin, they have to deal with. Meanwhile, going to warmer climates to play in tournaments is good preparation for the team, and a nice getaway.
Head coach Karen Gallagher doesn't deny the pleasure of being away facing tough opponents.
\It's nice to be in 75-degree temperatures, as in Oklahoma, and it's not a surprise why they're ranked No. 7.""
The weather is an issue during the spring in the Badger State; it could be 60 degrees and sunny or 10 degrees and snowing. However, the team has handled the difficult transition of indoor practices to outdoor games.
After four tournaments the ladies are entering their last at .500 with a 2-4 record against ranked teams. As the team is able to get outside more and more through the spring, the team shows much promise, and hopes to eclipse last year's fourth-place Big Ten finish.
Star senior pitcher Andrea Kirchberg and a new young offense could lead the team past the Big Ten power teams of Michigan and Ohio State. Kirchberg broke her own school record for strikeouts this past weekend at a tournament in Oklahoma. Through nine innings Kirchberg fanned 16, including the final two batters in a Northwestern comeback attempt, passing the record she first set two years ago and repeated twice last year.
In the same tournament UW defeated Big Ten foe Northwestern twice. While falling to host Oklahoma two times the same weekend.
Gallagher is glad she's a Badger and does not have to worry about coaching against one of the best pitchers in the conference.
Yet with a very young team and only seven upperclassmen, Gallagher is looking for some younger help. So far this spring the young gun for the Badgers has been freshman second baseman Emily Friedman leading the team in average (.278) and hits (15).
""Emily has given our offense a boost, and like I say to the girls all I need is two or three of you hot,"" Gallagher said.
The team travels to battle in Hawaii for their last tournament before the season. The team begins the season at home on Friday, March 28 against Oakland, provided the snow disappears. Coach Gallagher noted the team is getting excited to play for a home crowd however.
""It's hard to get excited for a home game in two weeks when there is still snow on the ground,"" Gallagher said.
Let's hope, for the team and the fans, the mercury will rise and snow will melt allowing softball season to get started.
