The Badgers (8-5-1 Big Ten, 23-17-1 overall) return home this weekend after an outstanding week in which the team went 4-1 against rivals Minnesota (11-3, 30-12) and Iowa (2-11, 12-28).
Head coach Yvette Healy was thrilled with the squad’s performance following their successful road trip.
“This had to have been one of the best weeks in Wisconsin softball since our staff has been here,” she said. “It was just a fun, unbelievable week for this team.”
Healy had good reason to be thrilled. The team put together one of its most impressive stretches this season, beginning with the doubleheader sweep of No. 21-ranked Minnesota. It was the Badgers’ first sweep in conference play this season, and first against the Gophers since 2012.
Despite the team sitting in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten standings, Healy said she was pleased with the progress and believes the team has made some great improvements throughout the season.
“We’re getting a lot out of our young players,” she said. “Of course every coach would love to be more consistent but it’s a tall order from going from not winning many games to wanting to sweep teams.”
The coach also praised pitcher Taylor Paige Stewart, one of four seniors on the roster. Stewart picked up the win in the first game against Minnesota and came through for the save in game two. She was also credited with the two wins against Iowa.
“You don’t see that many student athletes that are that driven. She’s made so many strides from last year to this year,” said Healy.
The Badgers now return to Goodman Diamond for a seven-game home stand, beginning this Friday with a three-game series against Illinois (5-9, 25-18). Wisconsin has played only seven games at home this year, but with the weather warming up, Healy hopes to see a plenty of fans this weekend.
“Being at home is tough because we play on the road so much. We’re hoping the fan support kind of pushes us to get that home edge,” she said.
The Badgers have only 11 games left before the Big Ten Tournament begins May 12, and six of those games come against teams ranked in the top 50.
