It's a gorgeous day for some softball in Madison today, sunny and mid-60s!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:29 Steph
5:30
Steph:
Wisconsin closes out the regular season at home with six games this week, starting with tonight's game against Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:30 Steph
5:31
Steph:
The week ends when Michigan visits Madison for a three-game Big Ten series that starts with a doubleheader on Saturday at noon
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:31 Steph
5:33
Steph:
Bradley is 19-27 after coming off a Missouri Valley Conference series win over Wichita State. Leading Bradley offensively is sophomore pitcher Madeline Lynch-Grumrine, posting a .313 batting average. She is also Bradley's best pitcher, going 10-17 with an ERA of 2.63
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:33 Steph
5:35
Steph:
The Badgers fell twice on the road at Purdue over the weekend. The Boilermakers took the series opener 7-2. UW rebounded for a 7-1 win in game two, which marked the 30th win of the season for the Badgers. Purdue took an early lead in the series finale on Sunday and the Badgers were unable to recover, falling 6-5
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:35 Steph
5:37
Steph:
Wisconsin won its 12th Big Ten game on Saturday against Purdue, setting a new school record for league wins.
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:37 Steph
5:44
Steph:
Starting lineup for Bradley: 1. Julie Sherman CF 2. Jackie Roth 3B 3. Bailiegh Basham C 4. Madeline Lynch-Crumrine 5. Alyson Clemente 6. Alex Chandler SS 7. Brianne Joseph 1B 8. Shannon King 2B 9. Mariah Cole LF Lexi Cremeens RF
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:44 Steph
5:48
Steph:
Starting lineup for Wisconsin: 1. Mary Massei RF 2. Kendall Grimm CF 3. Whitney Massey 2B 4. Shannel Blackshear 3B 5. Stephanie Peace SS 6. Karla Powell Dp 7. Michelle Mueller 2B 8. Maggie Strange C 9. Marissa Mersch LF Meghan McIntosh P
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:48 Steph
5:49
Steph:
Meghan is 5-5 this season with an ERA of 3.04, striking out 72 batters in 73.2 innings of work
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:49 Steph
5:50
Steph:
We're about ten minutes away from the first pitch, so hold tight!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:50 Steph
5:56
[Comment From VanAbelfamilyof8VanAbelfamilyof8: ]
no Van Abel in the lineup
Tuesday May 1, 2012 5:56 VanAbelfamilyof8
5:56
Steph:
Nope, the coaches are giving Maria a little time off with such a big weekend coming up! We might see her come in the game though!
Foul ball behind the stands on the first base side, count square at 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:39 Steph
6:39
Steph:
Check swing from King and she went around!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:39 Steph
6:39
Steph:
That's Meghan's third strikeout!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:39 Steph
6:40
Steph:
Mariah Cole takes a first pitch strike!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:40 Steph
6:40
Steph:
Cole reaches on an error by Shannel
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:40 Steph
6:40
Steph:
Sherman squares to bunt but pulls back and takes ball one
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:40 Steph
6:41
Steph:
She lays down the bunt but Meghan can't handle it and its scored another error
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:41 Steph
6:42
Steph:
Roth up to bat now, she singled into right last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:42
Steph:
She grounds out to Whitney at second
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:42
Steph:
Basham up to bat with runners on second and third
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:42
Steph:
She takes a ball outside, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:42
Steph:
She had a sac bunt in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:42
Steph:
Ball low, 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:42 Steph
6:43
Steph:
Gets her on the changeup! Great pitch! 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:43 Steph
6:43
Steph:
Ball outside, 3-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:43 Steph
6:43
Steph:
Ball low, Basham earns the walk
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:43 Steph
6:44
Steph:
Lynch-Crumrine up to bat, she struck out in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:44 Steph
6:44
Steph:
She takes ball one with the bases loaded
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:44 Steph
6:44
Steph:
She grounds it right up the center of the field, Whitney is able to scoop it up and step on second base for the third out!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:44 Steph
6:46
Steph:
Whitney will lead off for the Badgers in the bottom of the 3rd
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:46 Steph
6:46
Steph:
That pitch caught the outside corner, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:46 Steph
6:47
Steph:
She crushes a line drive into right field for a stand up double!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:47 Steph
6:47
Steph:
Shannel up to bat with Whitney at second base, no outs
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:47 Steph
6:47
Steph:
She takes a ball low, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:47 Steph
6:47
Steph:
Watches a ball outside, 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:47 Steph
6:48
Steph:
Shannel reached on a fielder's choice in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:48 Steph
6:48
Steph:
She lines out to the short stop
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:48 Steph
6:48
Steph:
Steph up to bat, she grounded out to third base in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:48 Steph
6:48
Steph:
Whitney still at second base for Steph, she watches a ball outside, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:48 Steph
6:49
Steph:
Steph hits an RBI double into right!!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:49 Steph
6:50
Steph:
Karla up to bat, she's behind 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:50 Steph
6:50
Steph:
Watches a pitch that catches the top of the zone, 0-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:50 Steph
6:51
Steph:
She flies out to the second basemen for the second out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:51 Steph
6:51
[Comment From CarrieCarrie: ]
do you know how many players are graduating this year?
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:51 Carrie
6:51
Steph:
Karla is actually the only one graduating this year!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:51 Steph
6:51
Steph:
Michelle watches a ball outside, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:51 Steph
6:51
Steph:
Steph is still on second base with 2 out in the bottom of the 3rd
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:51 Steph
6:52
Steph:
Michelle hits a ball down the third baseline, at first we thought it was called fair and it would have scored Steph. But now they are calling it foul. Count is 0-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:52 Steph
6:52
Steph:
Ball outside, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:52 Steph
6:53
Steph:
The count is actually 2-1, a little mix up here
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:53 Steph
6:54
Steph:
Steph steals third! Michelle watched the ball outside, 3-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:54 Steph
6:54
Steph:
Michelle grounds out to short stop to end the bottom of the third
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:54 Steph
6:56
Steph:
Clemente will lead off for Bradley, she had a walk in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:56 Steph
6:57
Steph:
Clemente hits a bloop single into shallow right-center field
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:57 Steph
6:57
Steph:
Chandler up to bat, she grounded out to the pitcher
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:57 Steph
6:58
Steph:
Cremeens will run at first base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:58 Steph
6:58
Steph:
Chandler lays down a bunt, but it's too hard and it rolls to Meghan who turned around to throw it to second to get the lead out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:58 Steph
6:58
Steph:
Joseph takes a first pitch strike
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:58 Steph
6:58
Steph:
Ball outside, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:58 Steph
6:59
Steph:
Joseph struck out in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:59 Steph
6:59
Steph:
Big swing and a miss! 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:59 Steph
6:59
Steph:
Foul ball back to the netting, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:59 Steph
6:59
Steph:
Runner on first base with no outs in the top of the 4th for Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:59 Steph
6:59
Steph:
Foul tip, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 6:59 Steph
7:00
Steph:
Shannel made a great catch, she had to jump in the air to get that one!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:00 Steph
7:00
Steph:
Runner on first stays put
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:00 Steph
7:00
Steph:
King up to bat, she also struck out in her first at bat. Takes ball one
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:00 Steph
7:01
Steph:
Foul ball back to the back screen 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:01 Steph
7:01
Steph:
Big swing and a miss! Great pitch from Meghan!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:01 Steph
7:01
Steph:
Ball low, 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:01 Steph
7:02
Steph:
Two straight foul balls, count stays at 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:02 Steph
7:03
Steph:
King grounds out to Steph for the third out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:03 Steph
7:03
Steph:
Wisconsin is up 2-0 going into the bottom of the 4th inning
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:03 Steph
7:05
Steph:
Alison Kresl is playing right field for Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:05 Steph
7:05
Steph:
Maggie takes a ball outside, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:05 Steph
7:05
Steph:
Ball high, 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:05 Steph
7:05
Steph:
She had a sac bunt in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:05 Steph
7:05
Steph:
Maggie hits one foul down the third baseline, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:05 Steph
7:06
Steph:
She reaches on an error by the first basemen, she couldn't quite handle the ball
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:06 Steph
7:06
Steph:
Marissa up to bat, she had a single to third base in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:06 Steph
7:06
Steph:
She lays down the bunt but it goes foul, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:06 Steph
7:07
Steph:
Marissa hits a slap hit to third base to move Maggie over to second
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:07 Steph
7:08
Steph:
Mary is ahead 2-1 with a foul ball into left field territory
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:08 Steph
7:08
Steph:
She had a single to center in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:08 Steph
7:08
Steph:
Foul ball back to the net, count is even at 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:08 Steph
7:09
Steph:
Mary hits one into foul territory in left field, but Cole is there for the catch
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:09 Steph
7:09
Steph:
Kendall up to bat with Maggie on second base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:09 Steph
7:09
Steph:
She watches a ball low
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:09 Steph
7:09
Steph:
She's 1-2 today with a single into left
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:09 Steph
7:10
Steph:
Kendall ahead 3-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:10 Steph
7:10
Steph:
Pitch catches the inside corner, 3-1. Hitters count for Kendall
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:10 Steph
7:11
Steph:
Slaps one foul, count is full
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:11 Steph
7:11
Steph:
Slaps one foul down the first baseline this time, 3-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:11 Steph
7:11
Steph:
She grounds out to third base to end the inning
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:11 Steph
7:12
Steph:
After four innings, the Badgers are up 2-0 over Bradley.
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:12 Steph
7:13
BadgerSoftball:
After 4, #Badgers lead Bradley 2-0. UW with 7 hits, including a 2B by Massey - her 18th of the year [via Twitter]
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:13 BadgerSoftball
7:14
Steph:
Cole will start things off for Bradley in the top of the 5th
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:14 Steph
7:14
Steph:
She reached on an error in her first at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:14 Steph
7:14
Steph:
Great pitch from Meghan! 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:14 Steph
7:15
Steph:
Meghan ahead 0-2 now
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:15 Steph
7:15
Steph:
Ball high, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:15 Steph
7:15
Steph:
Fouls it into the back netting, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:15 Steph
7:16
Steph:
Slaps one foul down the first baseline, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:16 Steph
7:16
Steph:
Foul tip, barely, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:16 Steph
7:16
Steph:
Another foul tip, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:16 Steph
7:17
Steph:
Pitch outside, 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:17 Steph
7:17
Steph:
Swing and a miss!!!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:17 Steph
7:17
Steph:
Her fourth of the day
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:17 Steph
7:18
Steph:
Sherman up to bat, she tries to bunt but pulls back for ball one
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:18 Steph
7:18
Steph:
Ball low and inside, 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:18 Steph
7:18
Steph:
Sherman lays down the bunt, but it goes foul, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:18 Steph
7:18
Steph:
Foul ball back to the backstop, count is even at 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:18 Steph
7:19
Steph:
Bunt right back to Meghan who throws it to Michelle for the second out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:19 Steph
7:19
Steph:
Roth up to bat, she takes a ball low, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:19 Steph
7:19
Steph:
She's 1-2 with a single and a ground out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:19 Steph
7:19
Steph:
Great pitch from Meghan on the inside corner! 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:19 Steph
7:20
Steph:
Ball low and away, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:20 Steph
7:20
Steph:
Ball inside, 3-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:20 Steph
7:20
Steph:
Single into right field
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:20 Steph
7:20
Steph:
Basham up to bat, she walked in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:20 Steph
7:21
Steph:
Strike called on the outside corner, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:21 Steph
7:21
Steph:
Called strike two!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:21 Steph
7:22
Steph:
Ball outside, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:22 Steph
7:22
Steph:
She grounds out to first base to end the inning
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:22 Steph
7:24
Steph:
Whitney up to bat for the Badgers
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:24 Steph
7:24
Steph:
She's 2-2 with a double and a single
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:24 Steph
7:24
Steph:
Whitney hits a double into left field!!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:24 Steph
7:24
Steph:
She's on fire!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:24 Steph
7:25
Steph:
Shannel up to bat with a runner on second
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:25 Steph
7:25
Steph:
She lined out to short stop in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:25 Steph
7:25
Steph:
Shannel ahead 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:25 Steph
7:25
Steph:
Ball inside, 3-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:25 Steph
7:26
Steph:
She draws the walk!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:26 Steph
7:26
Steph:
Megan Tancill will pinch run for Shannel at first
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:26 Steph
7:26
Steph:
Runners at first and second for Steph
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:26 Steph
7:27
Steph:
She had an RBI double into right field in her last at bat, let's see if she can do it again!!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:27 Steph
7:27
Steph:
She's ahead 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:27 Steph
7:27
Steph:
Watches a strike, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:27 Steph
7:27
Steph:
Steph lays down the sac bunt to move the runners to second and third base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:27 Steph
7:28
Steph:
Karla up to bat now, she's 0-2 today
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:28 Steph
7:28
Steph:
Sends one foul over the Bradley dugout, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:28 Steph
7:28
Steph:
Karla grounds out to third, nobody moves on the bases
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:28 Steph
7:29
Steph:
Michelle up to bat, she grounds out to second to end the 5th.
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:29 Steph
7:29
Steph:
Badgers leave two on base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:29 Steph
7:29
Steph:
After five innings, Wisconsin is up 2-0 over Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:29 Steph
7:30
[Comment From AricAric: ]
Where are the Badgers ranked in the RPI Polls this week?
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:30 Aric
7:30
Steph:
46, up one spot from last week!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:30 Steph
7:31
Steph:
Lynch-Crumrine will lead off for Bradley in the top of the 6th
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:31 Steph
7:31
Steph:
She's 0-2 with a strike out and a ground out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:31 Steph
7:31
Steph:
Takes ball low from Meghan, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:31 Steph
7:31
Steph:
She flies out to right field, Mary is there for the out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:31 Steph
7:32
Steph:
Clemente up to bat, she's 1-1 on the day with a single and a walk
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:32 Steph
7:32
Steph:
Lays off the changeup high, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:32 Steph
7:32
Steph:
Big swing and a miss! 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:32 Steph
7:32
BadgerSoftball:
Dan Kelly & Heather Lyke RT @juliusmay: @BadgerSoftball who will be announcing the Green Bay at Wisconsin softball games tomorrow on #BTN? [via Twitter]
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:32 BadgerSoftball
7:32
Steph:
Ball high, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:32 Steph
7:33
Steph:
Ball outside from Meghan, 3-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:33 Steph
7:33
Steph:
Line drive out right to Whitney at second. She didn't have to move a hair for that one!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:33 Steph
7:34
Steph:
Chandler up to bat, she got fooled by the changeup! Swing and a miss, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:34 Steph
7:34
Steph:
Ball misses outside, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:34 Steph
7:34
Steph:
Ball just a little low, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:34 Steph
7:35
Steph:
Meghan scoops that one up at the mound and tosses it to Michelle for the third out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:35 Steph
7:36
Steph:
Mackenzie Camp is now pitching for Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:36 Steph
7:36
Steph:
Maria Van Abel will pinch hit for Maggie to lead off for Wisconsin
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:36 Steph
7:37
Steph:
She squares to bunt , pulls back twice, 2-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:37 Steph
7:37
Steph:
Another ball outside, Maria ahead 3-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:37 Steph
7:37
Steph:
Pitch catches the outside corner, 3-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:37 Steph
7:38
Steph:
She slaps that one foul into the backstop, full count
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:38 Steph
7:38
Steph:
Another foul ball, 3-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:38 Steph
7:38
Steph:
And she draws the walk!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:38 Steph
7:38
Steph:
Marissa up to bat with Maria on first!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:38 Steph
7:39
Steph:
Pulls that one foul down the third baseline, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:39 Steph
7:39
Steph:
Ball high, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:39 Steph
7:39
Steph:
Marissa is 1-2 today with a single and a ground out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:39 Steph
7:40
Steph:
She's behind 1-2 with a foul ball back to the net
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:40 Steph
7:40
Steph:
She pops it up into foul territory right by the first base for the first out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:40 Steph
7:40
Steph:
Mary up to bat with Maria on first base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:40 Steph
7:40
Steph:
Ball high, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:40 Steph
7:41
Steph:
She hits a sky high fly ball into deep center, but Sherman is there for the catch
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:41 Steph
7:41
Steph:
Kendall up with two out, one on base
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:41 Steph
7:41
Steph:
She's 1-3 today with a single into left
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:41 Steph
7:41
Steph:
Fouls a bunt off, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:41 Steph
7:42
Steph:
Big cut, Kendall's behind 0-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:42 Steph
7:42
Steph:
And she strikes out swinging
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:42 Steph
7:42
Steph:
Wisconsin is up 2-0 going into the top of the 7th
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:42 Steph
7:44
Steph:
Alison Kresl up to bat for Bradley
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:44 Steph
7:44
Steph:
This is her first at bat, as she came into the game to play right field
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:44 Steph
7:44
Steph:
Takes a ball high, 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:44 Steph
7:44
Steph:
Fouls one off into the stands on the first base side
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:44 Steph
7:45
Steph:
She flies out to center field for the first out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:45 Steph
7:45
Steph:
King up to bat, she's 0-2 today
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:45 Steph
7:46
Steph:
Foul ball into the stands on the first base side, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:46 Steph
7:46
Steph:
Ball misses a little outside, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:46 Steph
7:46
Steph:
Ball low and away, 2-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:46 Steph
7:46
Steph:
Another foul ball, 2-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:46 Steph
7:47
Steph:
Ball low and away, count is full
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:47 Steph
7:47
Steph:
King grounds out to second base for the second out
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:47 Steph
7:48
Steph:
Cole up to bat, she fouls off the first pitch, 0-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:48 Steph
7:48
Steph:
She struck out in her last at bat
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:48 Steph
7:48
Steph:
Ball low and outside, 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:48 Steph
7:48
Steph:
Cole beats out the throw from Steph, but she made a great defensive effort
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:48 Steph
7:49
Steph:
Sherman up to bat with a runner on first
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:49 Steph
7:49
Steph:
She takes a ball high 1-0
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:49 Steph
7:49
Steph:
Tries to lay down the bunt but misses, count even at 1-1
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:49 Steph
7:50
Steph:
Foul ball over the stands on the third base side, 1-2
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:50 Steph
7:50
Steph:
She grounds out to Steph at short stop for the last out! That's the game!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:50 Steph
7:51
Steph:
Meghan improves to 6-5, earning the win today. The Badgers are now 31-15 overall
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:51 Steph
7:51
Steph:
Tune in tomorrow for our doubleheader against Green Bay. First pitch is at 3 p.m. at Goodman Diamond
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:51 Steph
7:52
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Good job Badgers!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:52 Guest
7:52
Steph:
The games will also be aired live on the Big Ten Network!
Tuesday May 1, 2012 7:52 Steph
7:52
Steph:
Thanks for reading along and have a great night! On Wisconsin!
By Brian Lucas on April 30, 2012 3:44 PM
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The Badgers continued their remarkable two-year run of success on and off the field over the weekend at the 2012 NFL Draft. Six UW players were chosen, one in each of the first six rounds. Another six players have signed NFL free agent deals and will take part in training camp.
In addition, OL Josh Oglesby has a physical scheduled with the Washington Redskins and indications are that if he passes that physical, the team will sign him to a free agent deal. Also, LS Kyle Wojta was invited to the Chicago Bears mini-camp in May.
To catch up on all the Badgers moving on to the NFL, check out our 2012 NFL Draft Central page.
We've put together some fascinating notes on the Badgers' NFL Draft success:
* The Badgers were the only team in the country to have at least one player drafted in each of the first six rounds of the 2012 NFL Draft.
* Wisconsin tied for the Big Ten lead and tied for fourth in the country with six players drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft. Only Alabama, Georgia and Oklahoma had more players picked.
* In the last 14 years (since 1999), Wisconsin has had 12 players picked in the first round of the NFL draft. That is second-best in the Big Ten and tied for 10th-best in the country.
Big Ten First Round Draft Picks Since 1999 1. Ohio State - 20 2. Wisconsin - 12 3. Penn State - 10 4. Michigan - 9 5. Iowa - 6 6. Illinois - 5 Michigan State - 5 8. Nebraska - 4 9. Purdue - 3 10. Minnesota - 2 Northwestern - 2 12. Indiana - 0
Most NFL Draft First Round Picks Since 1999 1. Miami - 27 2. Ohio State - 20 3. USC - 19 4. Florida State - 15 Texas - 15 Florida - 15 7. Alabama - 14 Georgia - 14 9. Tennessee - 13 10. Wisconsin - 12 Oklahoma - 12
* UW also has three first-round selections in the past two years, which is tied for third-best in the country.
NFL Draft First Round Picks last two years 1. Alabama - 8 2. Baylor - 4 3. Wisconsin - 3 LSU - 3 USC - 3 Illinois - 3
* Bucky Brooks from NFL.com has two Badgers (LT Ricky Wagner and RB Montee Ball) listed among his top 20 players eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft. LSU and USC are the only other teams with multiple players in the top 20.
* Wisconsin has had 11 players drafted in the last two years. That is tied for second-best among Big Ten teams and tied for sixth nationally.
Big Ten draft picks last two years 1. Iowa - 12 2. Wisconsin - 11 Nebraska - 11 4. Ohio State - 9 5. Illinois - 8 Michigan State - 8 7. Penn State - 6 8. Michigan - 5 9. Purdue - 3 10. Northwestern - 2 Indiana - 2 12. Minnesota - 0
Most Draft Picks by School last two years 1. Miami - 14 2. Alabama - 13 Georgia - 13 4. Iowa - 12 USC - 12 5. Wisconsin - 11 LSU - 11 Nebraska - 11 North Carolina - 11 Oklahoma - 11
* Of the five Wisconsin offensive linemen who started in the 2010 Rose Bowl, two were drafted in the first round (Gabe Carimi, Bears, 2011 and Kevin Zeitler, Bengals, 2012), one in the second round (Peter Konz, Falcons, 2012) and one in the third round (John Moffitt, Seahawks, 2011). The other starter, Ricky Wagner, enters his senior season as a leading candidate for the Outland Trophy.
* Wisconsin has had five offensive linemen drafted in the last two seasons. That is the most in the country. Georgia is second with four. Among Big Ten teams, no school other than Wisconsin has had more than three o-linemen drafted over the last two years.
* Over the last two years, Wisconsin has had seven players drafted among the first 75 picks. That is tied for second-best in the country, trailing only Alabama (9).
NFL Draft picks among the top 75, last two years 1. Alabama - 9 2. Wisconsin - 7 LSU - 7 Illinois - 7 5. North Carolina - 6 6. California - 5 Clemson - 5
By Anna Poulter-Hendrickson on April 30, 2012 1:13 PM
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In this week's blog, head coach Yvette Healy writes about how there are no shortcuts when building a championship program.
It's great to be back in Madison after a long weekend in West Lafayette, Ind. We traveled to Purdue and split on Saturday before dropping a heartbreaker yesterday. It was only the second Big Ten series we've lost all year.
It's amazing how much it hurts to lose games and drop series. There's a lot of emotional investment in the Badger softball program right now. Our biggest challenge is how we respond to these setbacks. Sports are amazing. They'll rip your heart out sometimes.
I think the losses along the way are just as important as the wins. We love to see what each kid does when she struggles. Does she try to go it alone? Does she back down and get quiet, getting inside her own head? Does she get sad when things don't go her way? Or, does she trust her training, work even harder, and battle back? We challenge our kids everyday not to be selfish. We challenge them to focus on the team, finding a way to contribute even when things are bad. It's such a life lesson, focusing out-word and upward when things are at their worst. Successful people reach out to their teammates and coaches, and find a way to overcome the tough times. They keep things in perspective, and work to overcome their obstacles.
It really has been such a great year so far. We're 30-15 right now, and the Big Ten race is wide open. Wisconsin is 12-6 in conference play, tied for fourth, but just one game out of first with Michigan sitting at 13-5.
Of course we hate that we lost, but we were so pleased with how we hit the ball at Purdue. We scored 14 runs in three games, with 28 hits; they scored 14 runs on 21 hits. It really came down to defense. They pressured us into seven errors this weekend, and had a few key hits when it counted. That's what good teams do though, they pressure and they force you to work very hard for every out. Despite a lot of fight and several great rally innings, we couldn't overcome some of the early and costly mistakes we made in the games we lost.
Here's the exciting part. We have the second best batting average and slugging percentage in conference play, hitting .323, with a .459 slugging percentage. Michigan leads both of those categories. They've also won the conference title the last three years. What an exciting time to face them at home this weekend.
It's funny when you look at the new Big Ten schedule. A lot of fans and teams are complaining about fairness, since each team won't face three other conference foes each season. We've never gotten caught up in that argument. We'll face the No. 1 and No. 2 teams these last two weekends, with six games left against Michigan and Nebraska.
I couldn't think of a better way to finish the season. If you really are a true competitor, you want the tougher road. You want to face the best teams, in the toughest situations, when it matters most.
The path of least resistance sounds appealing, but it's never gotten anyone far. When building a championship program, there are no shortcuts and there's no easy way out. You have to earn every ounce of respect you get, and you'll have to fight for every win and each accolade you collect along the way. Our staff knows that we're the underdogs entering these last few weekends, and that's right where we want to be. We have a scrappy group of hard-working, tenacious young ladies that have something left to prove. Sure the task at hand is big, and truly challenging, but isn't that why we all play and coach this game?
Good afternoon and welcome to today's live Gameday Blog as the Badgers take on the Boilermakers in a key Big Ten series finale.
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:33 Anna
11:34
Anna:
I will be bloging all game, feel free to add comments or ask questions!
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:34 Anna
11:34
Anna:
First pitch of today's game is set for noon CT. It is senior day at Purdue, so there will be a short ceremony prior to the first pitch.
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:34 Anna
11:36
Anna:
Yesterday the two teams split a doubleheader with Purdue winning game 1, 7-2, and Wisconsin taking game 2, 7-1. Today's game will decide the series and could also determine the top spot in the Big Ten.
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:36 Anna
11:39
Anna:
Michigan currently sits in first place with a 12-4 record. Wisconsin and Nebraska are tied for second with a 12-5 record, while Purdue is in fourth with an 11-5 record. Iowa is also in the mix with an 11-6 league record.
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:39 Anna
11:40
Anna:
Here are starting lineups:
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:40 Anna
11:42
Anna:
First for Purdue: 1. Molly Garst, SS 2. Lindsey Rains, CF 3. Andie Varsho, RF 4. Ashley Courtney, 1B 5. Danielle Fletcher, C 6. Erika Petruzzi, DP 7. Maia Monchek, LF 8. Ashley Burkhardt, 2B 9. Tori Chiodo, 3B Lexy Moore, P
Sunday April 29, 2012 11:42 Anna
11:43
Anna:
Wisconsin starting lineup: 1. Mary Massei, RF 2. Kendall Grimm, CF 3. Whitney Massey, 2B 4. Shannel Blackshear, 3B 5. Stephanie Peace, SS 6. Karla Powell, DP 7. Michelle Mueller, 1B 8. Maggie Strange, C 9. Maria Van Abel, LF Cassandra Darrah, P
First pitch to Massei is a ball low and inside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:05
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:05
Anna:
Massei swings and grounds out down the first base line. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:06
Anna:
Coach Schneider asks the ump for help and it is ruled a foul ball
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:06
Anna:
3-1 count for Massei
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:06
Anna:
Massei flies out to first. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:07
Anna:
Kendall Grimm will bat next for UW. She is batting .317 for UW this season
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:07
Anna:
Grimm grounds out the first pitch to third base. 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:07
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:07
Anna:
First pitch is a strike
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:07
Anna:
Massey is batting .343 and hit a single-season record 15th double yesterday
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:08
Anna:
Massey sends a fly ball to the pitcher's mound, but the third baseman makes the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:08
Anna:
UW 1: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:09
Anna:
Cassandra Darrah is making the start in the circle for the Badgers. She is 20-8 overall with a 2.02 ERA
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:09 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Molly Garst will lead off for Purdue. She is one of two seniors for the Boilermakers
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:10
Anna:
First pitch misses for a ball. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Darrah comes back with a strike. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Garst shows bunt, but the ball is high, 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:11
Anna:
Darrah gets Garst to watch a change up for a strike. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:11 Anna
12:11
Anna:
Ball misses low. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:11 Anna
12:11
Anna:
Garst turns on one and it is a long foul ball. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:11 Anna
12:12
Anna:
Garst goes the other way with a foul ball. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:12 Anna
12:12
Anna:
Another foul ball, this time over the dugout. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:12 Anna
12:12
Anna:
Garst fouls off a change up. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:12 Anna
12:13
Anna:
Garst find a hole in the right side of the infield for the first base hit of the day
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:13 Anna
12:13
Anna:
That brings up Lindsey Rains for Purdue. A runner at first and 0 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:13 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Rains fouls off the first pitch. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Rains fouls off a bunt. 0-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Rains fouls off an off speed pitch. 0-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:15
Anna:
Darrah misses high and Strange can't handle it. Garst moves to second
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:15
Anna:
Rains slaps the ball to third. Blackshear gets the out at first, but Garst moves to third on the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:15
Anna:
A runner on third and one out for Andie Varsho
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:16
Anna:
First pitch misses high. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:16
Anna:
Varsho hits a grounder to Massey at first. Badgers get the out at 1st and the runs scores.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:16
Anna:
Purdue leads 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:16
Anna:
Ashley Courtney batting with 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:17
Anna:
Courtney grounds out to shortstop to end the inning
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:17 Anna
12:17
Anna:
PU 1: 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:17 Anna
12:18
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear will lead off the top of the 2nd for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:18 Anna
12:19
Anna:
First pitch is a ball high and outside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Blackshear hit her 21st career HR yesterday
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Blackshear flies out to shortstop. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Stephanie Peace steps in for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:20
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:20
Anna:
Peace grounds out to second. 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:20
Anna:
Karla Powell walks up to the plate.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:20
Anna:
First pitch is a ball outside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:20
Anna:
Called strike on the outside corner. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:21
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:21
Anna:
Powell grounds out back to Moore in the circle to end the inning
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:21
Anna:
UW 2: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:22
Anna:
It was another quick inning for the Badgers. UW needs to make Lexi Moore work in the circle
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:22 Anna
12:22
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher will lead off the bottom of the second for Purdue
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:22 Anna
12:23
Anna:
Fletcher hits a grounder to shortstop. Peace can't handle the ball and Fletcher is safe on the error
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:23 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi takes the first pitch for a ball 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Petruzzi bunts the ball foul. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Darrah misses outside. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:25
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls the ball straight back. Fletcher was running on that pitch
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:25
Anna:
Darrah just misses outside. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:25
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls the ball off down the third base side. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:26
Anna:
Another foul ball by Petruzzi. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:26 Anna
12:27
Anna:
Petruzzi hits a grounder to second. Massey makes the play and gets the out at first. THe runner advances to second on the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:27
Anna:
Maia Monchek steps in the left side with one out and a runner at second
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:27
Anna:
Darrah misses outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Ball misses high. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Monchek fouls the ball off out of play. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Another foul ball straight back. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:29
Anna:
Foul ball back to the fence. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:29 Anna
12:29
Anna:
Ball just misses outside. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:29 Anna
12:29
Anna:
Monchek fouls off a change up. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:29 Anna
12:30
Anna:
Another foul ball. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:30 Anna
12:30
Anna:
Ball misses outside. Monchek walks
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:30 Anna
12:30
Anna:
Runners at first and second for Ashley Burkhardt
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:30 Anna
12:32
Anna:
Burkhardt sends a fly ball to left field. Van Abel drops the ball, but is able to get the out at third and then Blackshear turns and gets the out at second for the double play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:32 Anna
12:33
Anna:
Badgers end the inning on the double play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:33
Anna:
PU 2: 0 runs, 0 hits, 2 errors, 1 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:33
Anna:
Michelle Mueller leads off with a line drive single to center field.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:34
Anna:
Maggie Strange batting next for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:34 Anna
12:34
Anna:
Strange fouls off a bunt. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:34 Anna
12:34
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:34 Anna
12:35
Anna:
Strange bunts the ball foul. 1-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:35
Anna:
Strange fouls off the pitch. 1-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:35
Anna:
Strange swings and misses. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:35
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Looks like even though a double play was made on the dropped ball to Van Abel they gave her an error on the official scorebook. That's weird.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:35 Guest
12:36
Anna:
The batter reached first on the error.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:36 Anna
12:36
Anna:
Maria Van Abel steps in for the Badgers. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:36 Anna
12:36
Anna:
Van Abel bunts foul. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:36 Anna
12:36
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:36 Anna
12:37
Anna:
Van Abel slaps the ball to third and moves Mueller to second. 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:37
Anna:
Mary Massei batting for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:37
Anna:
First pitch is a ball. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:37
Anna:
Massei fouls the ball off her foot. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:38
Anna:
Ball misses low. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:38
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 3-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:38
Anna:
Massei lines out to second to end the inning.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:38
Anna:
UW 3: 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:40
Anna:
Tori Chiodo will lead off the bottom of the third for Purdue
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:40 Anna
12:40
Anna:
First pitch is a strike. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:40 Anna
12:41
Anna:
Ball misses low. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:41
Anna:
Chiodo swings and misses at a high fast ball
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:41
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Chiodo fouled the ball straight back. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Chiodo lines out to shortstop. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Molly Garst steps in
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:43
Anna:
Change up misses low and outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:43 Anna
12:43
Anna:
Garst puts down a bunt for a base hit and Strange throws the ball to the fence.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:43 Anna
12:44
Anna:
Garst ends up on third on the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
Anna:
The ball rolled all the way down the right field wall.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
Anna:
Badgers are meeting at the mound
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Come on defense. Too many errors.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:44 Guest
12:45
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in for Purdue with a runner at third.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:45 Anna
12:45
Anna:
First pitch is a ball. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:45 Anna
12:45
Anna:
Darrah misses outside. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:45 Anna
12:45
Anna:
Rains fouls the ball off past the Purdue dugout. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:45 Anna
12:46
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 3-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:46
Anna:
Another foul ball, beyond the stands. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Rains hits the ball to third. Blackshear checks the runner and Rains is safe at first
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
That brings up Andie Varsho.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Rains takes second on the first pitch
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Varsho flies out to shortstop. 2 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
That brings up Ashley Courtney
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
First pitch is a ball
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Ball misses high. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:49
Anna:
Change up for a strike. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:49 Anna
12:49
Anna:
Courtney hits a slow roller to short. The runner is safe on the hit and both runners score
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:49 Anna
12:50
Anna:
Purdue leads 3-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:50
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher steps in for Purdue
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:50
Anna:
First pitch to Fletcher is fouled down the third base line
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:50
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:51
Anna:
Fletcher fouls the ball straight back. 1-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:51 Anna
12:51
Anna:
Fletcher swings and misses to end the inning
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:51 Anna
12:51
Anna:
PU 3: 2 runs, 3 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:51 Anna
12:53
[Comment From guestguest: ]
lets get those bats going badgers!!!!
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:53 guest
12:53
Anna:
Kendall Grimm will lead off the top of the 4th for UW
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:53
Anna:
The Badgers' offense is strong!
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Grimm singles through the left side of the infield to start the fourth inning.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in for the Badgers
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Massey drives the first pitch to the right field fence.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:54
Anna:
It is a double and Grimm moves to third.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Badgers at second and third for Shannel Blackshear
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:55
Anna:
First pitch is a ball in the dirt
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:55 Anna
12:55
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:55 Anna
12:55
Anna:
Ball misses low. 3-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:55 Anna
12:56
Anna:
Ball misses low and Blackshear walks
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:56 Anna
12:57
Anna:
Megan Tancill will run for Blackshear at first
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:57
Anna:
Bases loaded for Stephanie Peace
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:57
Anna:
Moore comes with a strike on the outside corner. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:57
Anna:
Peace singles to left. Grimm scores on the play.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Purdue throws the ball home and gets Massey at the plate.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Peace and Tancill end up at second and third.
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Badgers score a run. Trail Purdue, 3-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Runners on second and third with 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:59
Anna:
Karla Powell will bat with runners at second and third. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:59 Anna
12:59
Anna:
First pitch is fouled off straight back. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:59 Anna
12:59
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 12:59 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Powell puts down a bunt and Tancill scores from third.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Badgers trail 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Peace moved to third on the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Michelle Mueller batting with 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
First pitch is fouled off. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Ball inside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:01
Anna:
Mueller singles to left and scores Peace from third to tie the game.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:01 Anna
1:01
Anna:
Maggie Strange steps in with a runner at first and 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:01 Anna
1:02
Anna:
First pitch is a ball high and outside
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:02
Anna:
Mueller is caught stealing to end the inning
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:03
Anna:
UW 4: 3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:03 Anna
1:03
Anna:
After 3.5 it is tied, 3-3
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:03 Anna
1:04
Anna:
It is a brand new ball game for UW. They need to forget about the first three innings and play tough.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:04
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi will lead off for the Boilermakers
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:04
Anna:
First pitch is a strike. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:05
Anna:
Ball misses low. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:05
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Let's go badgers!!!!!!!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:05 Guest
1:05
Anna:
Ball misses high. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:05
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls the ball off down the left field line
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:06
Anna:
Ball just misses the outside corner. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:06 Anna
1:06
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls the ball down the third base line. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:06 Anna
1:06
Anna:
Another foul ball. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:06 Anna
1:07
Anna:
Change up misses outside & Petruzzi walks.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:07 Anna
1:07
Anna:
Maia Monchek steps in. She walked in her first at bat
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:07 Anna
1:07
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:07 Anna
1:07
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:07 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Monchek hits a grounder to shortstop and Peace bobbles the ball. Monchek is safe at first and Petruzzi moves to second on the play
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Runners at first and second for Ashley Burkhardt
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:09
Anna:
First pitch is a ball outside
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Darrah throws the strike on the outside corner. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:10
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:10 Anna
1:10
Anna:
Burkhardt bunts foul. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:10 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Darrah catches Burkhardt looking. 1 out.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Tori Chiodo steps in. Runners on first and second. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Chiodo shows bunt, but pulls back. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Chiodo fouls the ball off out of play down the third base line
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:12
Anna:
Ball misses low. 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:12 Anna
1:12
Anna:
Chiodo bunts foul. 2-2. Strange waited for the ball to roll foul.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:12 Anna
1:12
Anna:
Foul ball out of play. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:12 Anna
1:13
Anna:
Ball misses low. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:13
[Comment From guestguest: ]
1 out correct
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:13 guest
1:13
Anna:
Chiodo flies out to left field. 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:14
Anna:
That brings up Molly Garst. She has singled twice today and scored twice
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:14
Anna:
First two pitches are balls. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:14
Anna:
Garst hits a gapper to center field and Purdue scores 2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Grimm dove for the ball, but couldn't come up with the ball
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Garst ends up on 2nd and Purdue takes a 5-3 lead
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Rains lines out to second base to end the inning.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
PU: 2 runs, 1 hit, 1 error, 1 LOB
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:16
Anna:
Katie Hackney will enter the game to pitch for Purdue
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:16 Anna
1:17
Anna:
Wisconsin trails Purdue, 5-3 , in the top of the 5th
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:17 Anna
1:17
Anna:
Maggie Strange will lead off the top of the 5th for the Badgers
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:17 Anna
1:18
Anna:
First pitch from Hackney is a ball, low and inside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:18 Anna
1:18
Anna:
Strike called high. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:18 Anna
1:18
Anna:
Strange fouls the ball straight back. 1-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:18 Anna
1:19
Anna:
Ball misses high. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
Anna:
Foul ball past the UW dugout. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
Anna:
Called strike inside. 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
Anna:
Maria Van Abel steps in
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:20
Anna:
She fouls off a bunt. 0-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:20
Anna:
Another foul ball from Van Abel. 0-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:20
Anna:
Fouled off again. 0-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:21
Anna:
Van Abel is hit by the pitch.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:21
Anna:
Mary Massei steps in with a runner on first and 1 out
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:21
Anna:
Ball misses low and inside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:22
Anna:
Van Abel is thrown out trying to steal second.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
It was a strike to Massei. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
Massei singles up the middle
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
2 outs for Kendall Grimm
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:23
Anna:
Grimm singles into the hole on the left side. Garst stops the ball and keeps the runners at first and second
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:23
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in and is hit by the first pitch she sees
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:23
Anna:
That loads the bases for Shannel Blackshear. 2 outs
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:24
Anna:
One swing could really change things!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
First pitch is a ball inside. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
Strike called on the outside corner. 1-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Missed a run walked in by sending Van Abel to second trying to steal. That's to bad.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Guest
1:24
Anna:
Shannel will make up for it here!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
Ball misses low, 2-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:25
Anna:
Off speed strike. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:25
Anna:
Blackshear fights off the pitch. it goes foul down the third baseline. 2-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:25
Anna:
Ball just misses outside. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:26
Anna:
Blackshear fouls the ball into the Purdue dugout. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:26 Anna
1:27
Anna:
Blackshear doubles to left and two runs scores! The game is tied 5-5
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
Anna:
Blackshear ends up a second and Massey is at third.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
Anna:
Stephanie Peace steps in with two outs and two runners on.
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Yaaaa Shannel!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Guest
1:27
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Yea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Guest
1:27
Anna:
First pitch is a ball. 1-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Way to go Blackshear!!!!!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Guest
1:27
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Yea baby!
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Guest
1:27
Anna:
Ball in the dirt. 2-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Badgers looking for their first lead of the game
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Ball misses low. 3-0
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Karla Powell is on deck
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Strike called. 3-1
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
High strike called. 3-2
Sunday April 29, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:29
Anna:
Peace fouls the ball off down the right field line. 3-2
By Other Contributors on April 28, 2012 4:27 PM
|No TrackBacks
UWBadgers.com covered all the action from the field in the doubleheader against Purdue. Wisconsin lost the first game 7-2 but bounced back to win game two 7-1.
Good afternoon and welcome to today's live Gameday Blog. Wisconsin is set to take on Purdue in a Big Ten doubleheader starting at noon CT. I am Anna and I wil be here with you all day!
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:34 Anna
11:35
Anna:
It was raining earlier, but the skies have dried out and we will play two today. The field was tarped and it looks dry. Both teams are wearing long sleeves because it is cool
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:35 Anna
11:38
Anna:
Wisconsin is 11-4 in Big Ten and in second place, while Purdue is 10-4 in league and in third.
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:38 Anna
11:39
Anna:
The Badgers are looking to reach 12 league wins for the first time in school history. UW is also aiming to be the quickest team to win No. 30 with a 29-13 recording entering the weekend.
It would definitely help. UW needs 30 + wins and a high RPI. This week UW was ranked 47th in the RPI, its highest ranking of the year
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:55 Anna
11:56
Anna:
UW has 12 games remaining, including 9 in the Big Ten.
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:56 Anna
11:56
Anna:
They need to stay hot and keep on winning!
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:56 Anna
11:56
[Comment From mfrmeanymfrmeany: ]
well then lets do this,go girls go
Saturday April 28, 2012 11:56 mfrmeany
12:00
Anna:
Teams just took the field and the national anthem was played. Next is the honorary first pitch.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:00 Anna
12:00
Anna:
Purdue is honoring cancer survivors and wearing pink on their jerseys and the Badgers have pink ribbons in their hair.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:00 Anna
12:02
Anna:
Purdue's pitcher, Lexi Moore, is 19-8 on the season with 3.01 ERA
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:02 Anna
12:02
Anna:
First pitch is a strike and we are underway here at Varsity Softball Complex in West Lafayette, Ind.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:02 Anna
12:02
Anna:
Mary Massei takes the second pitch for a ball, 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:02 Anna
12:03
Anna:
Moore is called for an illegal pitch, 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:03 Anna
12:03
Anna:
Moore comes back with a strike low and outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:03 Anna
12:03
Anna:
Massei rolls over one and grounds out to the first baseman. 1 out for Kendall Grimm
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:03 Anna
12:04
Anna:
Grimm pulls back on a ball, high and outside. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:04 Anna
12:04
Anna:
Grimm bunts through a strike. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:04 Anna
12:04
Anna:
Grimm fouls off the next pitch. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:04 Anna
12:04
[Comment From AricAric: ]
Hello Anna.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:04 Aric
12:04
Anna:
Hi
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:04 Anna
12:05
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:05
[Comment From AricAric: ]
What is considered an illegal pitch in softball>
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:05 Aric
12:05
Anna:
Moore was called for an illegal pitch because her drag foot left the ground
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:05
Anna:
Grimm grounds out to first base for the 2nd out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:05 Anna
12:06
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in and swings at the first pitch.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:06
Anna:
It is a ground out to first base to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:06
Anna:
UW 1st: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:06 Anna
12:07
[Comment From AricAric: ]
How do you like cronicling the road games for Uw Softball this season? What is the preparation you have to do to cronicle a game?
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:07 Aric
12:07
Anna:
I cover the team all year, the best preparation I do is work with the team every day
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:07 Anna
12:08
Anna:
Molly Garst will lead off for the Boilermakers
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:08
Anna:
Cassandra Darrah is making the start for the Badgers today. First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:08
[Comment From VanAbelfamilyof8VanAbelfamilyof8: ]
Why is Maria playing left field today?
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:08 VanAbelfamilyof8
12:08
Anna:
I think it gives UW more flexibility when making substitutions.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:08
Anna:
Garst grounds out to second base. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:08 Anna
12:09
Anna:
Lindsey Rains is hit by the first pitch she sees
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:09 Anna
12:09
Anna:
Andie Varsho is the next batter for Purdue. Runner on 1st 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:09 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Varsho doubles down the left field line and Rains scores from first base.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Purdue takes an early lead, 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:10
Anna:
Van Abel dove for the ball and missed
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:10 Anna
12:11
Anna:
Ashley Courtney steps in next for the Boilermakers
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:11 Anna
12:11
Anna:
1-1 count for Courtney with a runner on 2nd and 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:11 Anna
12:12
Anna:
Courtney hits one up the middle and Massey can't handle it. The runner scores from second and Purdue takes a 2-0 lead
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:12 Anna
12:13
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher goes ahead 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:13 Anna
12:13
Anna:
There is a runner at 1st. UW is looking for outs here
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:13 Anna
12:13
Anna:
Pitch misses high and outside. 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:13 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Darrah gets two called strikes. 3-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Fletcher draws the walk. Runners on first and second for Erika Petruzzi
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:14
Anna:
Petruzzi is batting from the left side of the plate
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:14 Anna
12:15
Anna:
1-1 after Petruzzi fouls one off
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:15
Anna:
Called strike inside. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:15
Anna:
Darrah misses just outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:15 Anna
12:16
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls one off past the first base bag
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:16
Anna:
2-2 pitch is high, Full count for Petruzzi
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:16 Anna
12:17
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls one off over the third base fence
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:17 Anna
12:17
Anna:
Petruzzi swings through one for Darrah's 100th strike out of the year.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:17 Anna
12:17
Anna:
2 outs for Maia Monchek
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:17 Anna
12:18
Anna:
Monchek puts one up into right field. Massei can't handle it and drops the ball.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:18 Anna
12:18
Anna:
1 run scores and baserunner are at first and third.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:18 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Ashley Burkhardt steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
1-1 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Darrah misses low and the runner moves to second
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Runners at second and third, 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
Burkhardt fouls one off down the third baseline
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:19
Anna:
2-2 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:19 Anna
12:20
Anna:
Another foul ball, 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:20
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside, 3-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:20 Anna
12:21
Anna:
Burkhardt flies out to left to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:21
Anna:
PU 1st: 3 runs, 1 hit, 2 errors, 2 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:21
Anna:
After 1 inning of play, Purdue leads 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:21 Anna
12:22
[Comment From AricAric: ]
Is this year's team a good team to work with? How many years have you been working with the UW Softball team?
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:22 Aric
12:22
Anna:
This is my first season with UW. The team is great to work with!
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:22 Anna
12:22
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear will lead off for UW in the top of the 2nd
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:22 Anna
12:23
Anna:
Blackshear is playing 3rd today and batting .296 on the season
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:23 Anna
12:23
Anna:
First pitch is a ball, 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:23 Anna
12:23
Anna:
Moore misses high and outside. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:23 Anna
12:23
Anna:
Another ball to Blackshear, 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:23 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Blackshear has walked 24 times this season
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Moore comes with a strike. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Blackshear leads off with a walk
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
That brings up Stephanie Peace
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:24
Anna:
Megan Tancill will run for Blackshear at first base
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:24 Anna
12:25
Anna:
First pitch is a strike low and outside. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:25
Anna:
Moore comes with another strike, low and inside. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:25
Anna:
Ball called low and outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:25 Anna
12:26
Anna:
Peace fouls one off toward the Purdue dugout
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:26 Anna
12:26
Anna:
1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:26 Anna
12:26
Anna:
Peace swings and misses on a change up. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:26 Anna
12:26
Anna:
Karla Powell steps in for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:26 Anna
12:27
Anna:
Powell has worked her way back into the starting lineup. She missed some games at the begining of the season due to injury
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:27
Anna:
First two pitches are balls, 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:27
Anna:
Powell fouls of the ball towards the third base side. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:27 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Ball low and outside. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Powell puts the ball up towards center field. Lindsey Rains brings it in, 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:28
Anna:
Michelle Mueller batting with a runner on first and 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:28 Anna
12:29
Anna:
Mueller swings at the first pitch and flies out to center field.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:29 Anna
12:29
Anna:
UW 2nd: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:29 Anna
12:31
Anna:
Tori Chiodo will lead off the bottom of the 2nd for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:31 Anna
12:31
Anna:
She is a left-handed batter
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:31 Anna
12:31
Anna:
Darrah comes with a strike, 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:31 Anna
12:31
Anna:
Chiodo fouls off pitch number 2, 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:31 Anna
12:32
Anna:
Darrah misses high and outside. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:32 Anna
12:32
Anna:
Darrah misses low and inside
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:32 Anna
12:32
Anna:
Chiodo swings and misses. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:32 Anna
12:32
Anna:
Molly Garst steps in for the second time against Darrah today
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:32 Anna
12:33
Anna:
Garst grounded out to second base in her first at bat
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:33
Anna:
First pitch is a strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:33
Anna:
Darrah misses high, 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:33
Anna:
Garst grounds out to third. Blackshear had to make the quick play because Garst is fast. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:33 Anna
12:34
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in. First pitch is a strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:34 Anna
12:34
Anna:
Rains was hit by a pitch in her first at bat & scored the first run
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:34 Anna
12:35
Anna:
Rains puts down bunt for a base hit
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:35
Anna:
Rains is called out for leaving early to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:35
Anna:
PU 2nd: 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:35 Anna
12:36
Anna:
Maggie Strange will lead off the top of the 3rd for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:36 Anna
12:37
Anna:
First pitch is a strike for Strange
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:37
Anna:
Strange tries to bunt & it is foul. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:37 Anna
12:38
Anna:
Strange drives the ball to the fence and it is a stand up double!
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:38
Anna:
Maria Van Abel will bat with Strange at second. 0 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:38 Anna
12:39
Anna:
Van Abel puts down a bunt and moves Strange to third. Van Abel almost beat the ball out!
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Anna
12:39
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Way to go Mags!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Guest
12:39
[Comment From Aunt LynnieAunt Lynnie: ]
Go Maggie!!! Nice HIT!! Go, BADGERS!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Aunt Lynnie
12:39
Anna:
Mary Massei steps in with a runner at third. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Anna
12:39
Anna:
0-2 count for Massei
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Anna
12:39
Anna:
Ball misses high, 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:39 Anna
12:40
Anna:
Moore misses low and outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:40 Anna
12:40
Anna:
Massei fouls one off, 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:40 Anna
12:40
Anna:
Moore misses high, 3-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:40 Anna
12:41
Anna:
The ball bounces into the plate. Massei draws a walk
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:41
Anna:
Runners at first and third for Kendall Grimm
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:41
Anna:
Grimm fouls off the first pitch, 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:41 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Pitch is outside for a strike, Massei steals second.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
0-2 count for Grimm
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:42
Anna:
Foul ball for Grimm, 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:42 Anna
12:43
Anna:
Grimm is called out looking. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:43 Anna
12:43
Anna:
Runners at second and third for Whitney Massey
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:43 Anna
12:43
Anna:
Badgers need to get a run here
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:43 Anna
12:44
Anna:
First pitch is aball
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
Anna:
Massey puts the ball in the air to left field.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
Anna:
Monchek makes the play to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:44
Anna:
UW 3rd: 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 2 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:44 Anna
12:46
Anna:
Andie Varsho will lead off for Purdue. She was at the plate when the second inning ended on the stolen base attempt
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:46
Anna:
Purdue leads 3-0 heading into the bottom of the third
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:46
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:46
Anna:
Darrah comes with another strike. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:46 Anna
12:47
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:47 Anna
12:47
Anna:
Varsho singles through the middle of the infield.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:47 Anna
12:47
Anna:
That brings up Ashley Courtney
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:47 Anna
12:47
Anna:
She reached first on an error in her first at bat
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:47 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Courtney swings and the first pitch and singles up the middle of the infield.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Varsho moves to second on the play. 0 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:48
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher steps in for the Boilermakers
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:48 Anna
12:49
Anna:
Feltcher singles to right field.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:49 Anna
12:50
Anna:
The runs scores on a throwing error by right field and Shannel Blackshear is able to tag the runner at third.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:50
Anna:
One run scores on the the play and one out is recorded
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:50
Anna:
Fletcher also moves up on the play
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:50 Anna
12:51
Anna:
Amanda Najdek enters the game to pitch for Cassandra Darrah
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:51 Anna
12:51
Anna:
There is a runner on second and 1 out in the bottom of the 3rd
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:51 Anna
12:52
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi singles up the middle on the first pitch. Peace makes a dive to stop the ball from getting to the outfield and hold the runner at 3rd
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:52 Anna
12:52
Anna:
Maia Monchek steps in with runners on first and third. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:52 Anna
12:53
Anna:
Monchek grounds to Blackshear at third. Blackshear holds the runner and gets the out at first. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:53
Anna:
Petruzzi moved to second on the play
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:53
Anna:
Ashley Burkhardt steps in with runners at second and third with 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:53
Anna:
Darrah quickly goes ahead, 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:53 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:54
Anna:
Najdek misses in the dirt. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:54 Anna
12:55
Anna:
Burkhardt grounds out to Najdek to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:55 Anna
12:55
Anna:
PU 3: 1 run, 4 hits, 1 error, 2 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:55 Anna
12:56
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear will lead off for UW in the top of the 4th
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:56 Anna
12:57
Anna:
Blackshear swings at the first pitch and grounds out to 3rd
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:57
Anna:
1 out for Stephanie Peace
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:57 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Peace swings at the first pitch and grounds out to short. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Karla Powell steps in for the Badgers
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
First two pitches are outside. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:58
Anna:
Powell watches a strike outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:58 Anna
12:59
Anna:
Powell drives a base hit into right-center field.
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:59 Anna
12:59
Anna:
Michelle Mueller steps in with a runner at first and 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:59 Anna
12:59
Anna:
Mueller fouls off the first pitch. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 12:59 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Mueller singles up the middle, it hits the pitcher and rolls into left field. Powell moves to second base on the hit
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:00
Anna:
Runners on first and second for Maggie Strange
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:00 Anna
1:01
Anna:
Maggie Strange singles up the middle. Mueller and Powell move up a bag
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:01 Anna
1:02
Anna:
Bases loaded for UW. Marissa Mersch will pinch hit for Maria Van Abel
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:02
Anna:
2 outs in the top of the 4th
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:02
Anna:
First pitch is a strike down and out. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:02
Anna:
Ball is low and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:02 Anna
1:03
Anna:
Moore misses outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:03 Anna
1:03
Anna:
Another ball high and out of the zone. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:03 Anna
1:03
Anna:
Ball four! UW walks in a run!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:03 Anna
1:04
Anna:
Powell scores from third.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:04
Anna:
That brings up Mary Massei
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:04
Anna:
Massei swings and misses at the first pitch. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:04 Anna
1:05
Anna:
Massei swings and misses again. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:05
Anna:
Massei strikes out swinging to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:05
Anna:
UW 4th: 1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:05
Anna:
Badgers get on the board, trail Purdue 4-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:05 Anna
1:07
BadgerSoftball:
#Badgers working their way back, trail #Purdue 4-1 heading into the bottom of the 4th. Follow along with the live blog:http://see.sc/Ac00xH [via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:07 BadgerSoftball
1:07
Anna:
Tori Chiodo will lead off for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:07 Anna
1:08
Anna:
First two pitches are strike, 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:08 Anna
1:08
Anna:
Najdek misses low, 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:08 Anna
1:08
Anna:
Chiodo fouls off a change up, 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:08 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Chiodo hits a single back to Najdek. Amanda had to try and make a quick throw, but Chiodo was too fast
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Molly Garst steps in with a runner at 1st & 0 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:09
Anna:
Garst fouls off a bunt, 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:09 Anna
1:10
Anna:
Ball misses high and out of the zone
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:10 Anna
1:10
Anna:
Garst swings and misses on a pitch down and out. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:10 Anna
1:10
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in for the Boilermakers
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:10 Anna
1:11
Anna:
She fouls off the first pitch
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Rains fouls off a bunt. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:11
Anna:
Another foul ball. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:11 Anna
1:12
Anna:
Najdek misses low. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:12 Anna
1:12
Anna:
Another ball low. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:12 Anna
1:13
Anna:
Rains singles over Blackshear's head at third. Peace stops the ball and holds runners at first and 2nd
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:13
Anna:
Andie Varsho will bat with runners on first and second. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:13
Anna:
Varsho is 2-2 today and has scored twice
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:13
Anna:
first pitch is low, 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:13
Anna:
Another ball in the dirt. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:13 Anna
1:14
Anna:
Varsho grounds out to Whitney Massey at second. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:14
Anna:
The runners moved up to second and third.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:14
Anna:
Ashley Courtney batting with runners on second and third. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:14
Anna:
1-1 count for Courtney
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:14 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Ball misses in the dirt. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Strike called outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:15
Anna:
Courtney sends a foul sharply down the third baseline
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:15 Anna
1:16
Anna:
Courtney hits a ball foul down the first base line. Mueller tried to make a diving play, but couldn't come up with the ball
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:16 Anna
1:16
Anna:
Najdek throws a ball in the dirt and it gets past strange. The runner scores from third on a ball in the dirt
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:16 Anna
1:17
Anna:
Boilermakers go up 5-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:17 Anna
1:17
Anna:
Courtney strikes out looking to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:17 Anna
1:17
Anna:
PU 4th: 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:17 Anna
1:18
[Comment From FanFan: ]
Lets hold them badgers!!!1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:18 Fan
1:19
Anna:
Purdue leads 5-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
Anna:
Kendall Grimm will lead off the top of the 5th for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
Anna:
First two pitches are strikes. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:19 Anna
1:19
[Comment From FanFan: ]
Lets go badgers let get some hits!!!!!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:19 Fan
1:20
Anna:
Grimm takes a ball down low. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:20
Anna:
Grimm watches another ball high and out of the zone. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:20
Anna:
Grimm strikes out looking. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:20
Anna:
Whitney Massey will bat with 1 out for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:20 Anna
1:21
Anna:
First pitch is a ball, low and inside. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:21
Anna:
Massey watches a ball high, 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:21
Anna:
Massey fouls off a ball over the press box on the third base line. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:21 Anna
1:22
Anna:
HOME RUN!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
Whitney Massey rips a solo shot over the center field fence!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
That is Whitney's 4th homer of the year.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
That brings up Shannel Blackshear
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:22
Anna:
First pitch is a ball. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:22 Anna
1:23
[Comment From FanFan: ]
Way to go massey!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:23 Fan
1:23
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Wooo hooooo GO WHIT!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:23 Guest
1:23
Anna:
Another ball high and out of the zone. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:23
Anna:
The Badgers are never out of the game!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:23
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off a ball toward the UW dugout
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:23 Anna
1:24
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
Blackshear doubles off the left field fence!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
I thought that ball was gone!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:24
Anna:
That forces a pitching change for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:24 Anna
1:25
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi will enter the game to pitch.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:25
Anna:
Petruzzi has pitched in 21 innings this season. She is 1-2 with a 8.67 ERA
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:25
Anna:
She hasn't seen much time as of late, so UW needs to be patient and make her throw the ball
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:25 Anna
1:26
Anna:
Stephanie Peace will bat for UW. Karla Powell is on deck.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:26 Anna
1:26
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Go Shannel!!! Whooppee. Go Whit!!! Yeahhhh. Let's rally right here Badgers.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:26 Guest
1:26
Anna:
Badgers looking for a rally here. Trail Purdue, 5-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:26 Anna
1:26
Anna:
Peace fouls off the first pitch down the first base line
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:26 Anna
1:27
Anna:
Peace lines out to second. Blackshear has to dive back into the bag to avoid the doubleplay
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
Anna:
2 outs for Karla Powell
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:27
Anna:
First pitch is a strike low and outside. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:27 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Ball misses up and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Change up called for a strike. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:28
Anna:
Powell fights one off. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:28 Anna
1:29
Anna:
Powell flies out to the second baseman in foul territory.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:29 Anna
1:29
Anna:
UW 5th: 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:29 Anna
1:31
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher will lead off the bottom of the 5th for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:31 Anna
1:31
Anna:
Fletcher flies out to shortstop for the first out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:31 Anna
1:32
Anna:
That brings up Erika Petruzzi
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:32 Anna
1:32
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:32 Anna
1:32
Anna:
Another called strike. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:32 Anna
1:32
Anna:
Najdek misses low and outside
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:32 Anna
1:32
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
There appears to be a mixup in the outfield today. Why the change in left and center field?
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:32 Guest
1:33
Anna:
Petruzzi grounds out to first. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:33 Anna
1:33
Anna:
I think it is because of the way we substitute with Marissa Mersch & Maria Van Abel
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:33 Anna
1:33
Anna:
Mersch can also play left
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:33 Anna
1:34
Anna:
1-1 count for Mai Monchek
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:34 Anna
1:34
Anna:
Ball is low. 3-1 for Monchek
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:34 Anna
1:34
Anna:
Monchek fouls the ball off her foot
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:34 Anna
1:34
Anna:
3-2 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:34 Anna
1:35
Anna:
Monchek swings and misses
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:35 Anna
1:35
Anna:
3 up & 3 down for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:35 Anna
1:36
Anna:
After 5 complete. Purdue leads 5-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:36 Anna
1:37
Anna:
Michelle Mueller will lead off for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:37 Anna
1:37
Anna:
Mueller hits a grounder to short and Purdue just gets the out. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:37 Anna
1:37
Anna:
Maggie Strange steps in. First pitch is a ball in the dirt
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:37 Anna
1:38
Anna:
Strange is 2-2 today
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:38 Anna
1:38
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:38 Anna
1:38
Anna:
Ball misses again, 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:38 Anna
1:39
Anna:
Strange pops up to third. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:39 Anna
1:39
Anna:
Maria Van Abel bunts the first pitch foul. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:39 Anna
1:40
Anna:
Called strike outside. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:40 Anna
1:40
Anna:
Van Abel hits a grounder back to the pitcher and she can't handle it.
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:40 Anna
1:41
Anna:
Van Abel is safe at first for Mary Massei
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:41 Anna
1:41
Anna:
Massei fouls off the second pitch. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:41 Anna
1:41
Anna:
Massei fouls off the ball down the left field line. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:41 Anna
1:42
Anna:
Another foul ball for Massei
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:42 Anna
1:42
Anna:
Massei lines out to third base to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:42 Anna
1:42
Anna:
UW 6: 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 error, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:42 Anna
1:44
Anna:
Lauren Grant will pinch hit for Ashley Burkhardt to lead off the bottom of the 6th
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:44 Anna
1:44
Anna:
First pitch is a ball in the dirt. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:44 Anna
1:44
Anna:
Najdek misses low. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:44 Anna
1:45
Anna:
Grant singles to left field to lead off the inning with a single
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:45 Anna
1:45
Anna:
That brings up Tori Chiodo. Burkhardt enters the game to run
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:45 Anna
1:46
Anna:
First two pitches are strikes. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:46 Anna
1:47
Anna:
Ball misses high, 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:47 Anna
1:47
[Comment From van Abelvan Abel: ]
Is Maria still in left
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:47 van Abel
1:48
Anna:
Yep. She reached first in the last inning on an error by Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:48 Anna
1:48
Anna:
Chiodo singles up the middle. Runners at first and second for Molly Garst
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:48 Anna
1:48
Anna:
Nobody out in the bottom of the sixth
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:48 Anna
1:48
Anna:
First two pitches are balls, 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:48 Anna
1:49
Anna:
Garst hits a fielder's choice to Massey at second. She tags Chiodo for the first out of the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:49 Anna
1:49
Anna:
Runners at first and third. 1 out for Lindsey Rains
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:49 Anna
1:49
Anna:
Rains doubles the first pitch to the center field fence. It scores two runs and Purdue leads 7-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:49 Anna
1:50
Anna:
Andie Varsho batting with a runner on second and one out
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:50 Anna
1:50
Anna:
First pitch is a ball in the dirt. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:50 Anna
1:50
Anna:
Varsho lines out to Peace at shortstop. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:50 Anna
1:51
Anna:
Ashley Courtney steps in for Purdue. 2 outs & a runner at second
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:51 Anna
1:51
Anna:
First pitch is a ball in the dirt
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:51 Anna
1:51
Anna:
Another ball misses low. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:51 Anna
1:51
Anna:
Courtney grounds out to third to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:51 Anna
1:51
Anna:
PU 6: 2 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:51 Anna
1:52
Anna:
After 6 innings, Purdue leads UW 7-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:52 Anna
1:53
BadgerSoftball:
Rally time! #Badgers trail #Purdue 7-2 in the top of the 7th. Put on your rally caps! [via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:53 BadgerSoftball
1:53
Anna:
Grimm, Massey & Blackshear due up for the Badgers
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:53 Anna
1:53
Anna:
Sounds like runs!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:53 Anna
1:54
Anna:
Grimm bunts through the first pitch. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:54 Anna
1:54
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:54 Anna
1:55
Anna:
Grimm fouls the ball off her leg
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:55 Anna
1:55
Anna:
Umpires are talking about where the ball hit Grimm
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:55 Anna
1:55
Anna:
Purdue says hit hit Grimm while she was outside of the box
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:55 Anna
1:55
Anna:
Just a foul ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:55 Anna
1:56
Anna:
Ball is in the dirt. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:56 Anna
1:56
Anna:
Ball hits Grimm on the foot. She gets the base
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:56 Anna
1:56
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in for the Badgers. A runner at first and 0 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:56 Anna
1:56
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:56 Anna
1:57
Anna:
She homered in her last at bat
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:57 Anna
1:57
Anna:
Ball misses up and out. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:57 Anna
1:57
Anna:
Massey fouls off the ball in to the stands. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:57 Anna
1:58
Anna:
Massey fouls off another. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:58 Anna
1:58
Anna:
Massey singles down the left field line. Runners move to second and third on the play
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:58 Anna
1:59
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
go whit!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:59 Guest
1:59
Anna:
The hits is ruled a double and Massey has tied the UW single-season double record with 14 this season
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:59 Anna
1:59
Anna:
UW forces another pitching change for PUrdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 1:59 Anna
2:00
Anna:
Katie Hackney will pitch for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:00 Anna
2:00
Anna:
Badgers trail 7-2 in the top of the 7th. Runners on second and third
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:00 Anna
2:00
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
atta baby whit!
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:00 Guest
2:01
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear batting or UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:01 Anna
2:01
Anna:
First pitch is a strike low and outside.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:01 Anna
2:01
Anna:
Ball misses. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:01 Anna
2:01
Anna:
Another ball, high and out. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:01 Anna
2:02
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off the ball down the right field line. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:02 Anna
2:02
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off the ball towards the Purdue dugout
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:02 Anna
2:03
Anna:
Blackshear swings and misses. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:03 Anna
2:03
Anna:
Stephanie Peace steps in. Runners on second and third. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:03 Anna
2:03
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:03 Anna
2:03
Anna:
Ball called low and inside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:03 Anna
2:03
Anna:
Another ball, this one high and outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:03 Anna
2:04
Anna:
Peace fouls the ball straight back. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:04 Anna
2:04
Anna:
Peace reaches for the ball and flies out to the shortstop. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:04 Anna
2:04
Anna:
Karla Powell will try to keep the Badger rally going
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:04 Anna
2:05
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike, 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:05 Anna
2:05
Anna:
Ball misses high and inside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:05 Anna
2:05
Anna:
Ball misses just outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:05 Anna
2:06
Anna:
Called strike on the outside corner. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:06 Anna
2:06
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 3-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:06 Anna
2:06
Anna:
Powell grounds out to third to end the game.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:06 Anna
2:06
Anna:
Purdue wins game 1 7-2.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:06 Anna
2:06
Anna:
UW scored 2 runs on 7 hits and committed 3 errors
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:06 Anna
2:07
Anna:
Purdue scored 7 runs on 11 hits and had 1 error
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:07 Anna
2:08
BadgerSoftball:
#Badgers fall to #Purdue, 7-2, in game 1 of the @B1GSoftball doubleheader. Will look to rebound in game 2 in 25 min [via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:08 BadgerSoftball
2:10
Anna:
Darrah pitched 2.1 innings, giving up 5 hits and allowing 4 runs
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:10 Anna
2:11
Anna:
Najdek pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:11 Anna
2:11
Anna:
I am going to take box scores to the coaches and grab a sandwich. I will be right back!
hi Anna who is the player on crutches and for Venessa Nunez what does UT stand for and is not a active player she never looks dressed for home games
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:27 Badger Rich
2:28
Anna:
Molly Spence is on crutches. She rolled her ankle a couple weeks ago. UT stands for utility. Venessa has been out because of an injury, but is back this weekend
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:28 Anna
2:30
Anna:
The umpires are back out on the field checking bats. We are about 10 minutes away from
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:30 Anna
2:32
Anna:
Both team's starting lineups are the same, just with new pitchers
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:32 Anna
2:33
Anna:
Purdue: 1. Molly Garst, SS 2. Lindsey Rains, CF 3. Andie Varsho, RF 4. Ashley Courtney, 1B 5. Danielle Fletcher, C 6. Erika Petruzzi, DP 7. Mai
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:33 Anna
2:34
Anna:
7. Maia Monchek, LF 8. Ashley Burkhard, 2B 9. Tori Chiodo, 22 Katie Hackney, P
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:34 Anna
2:35
Anna:
Wisconsin: 1. Mary Massei, RF 2. Kendall Grimm, CF 3. Whitney Masey, 2 B 4. Shannel Blackshear, 3B 5. Stephanie Peace, SS 6. Karla Powell, DP 7. Michelle Mueller, 1B 8. Maggie Strange, C 9. Maria Van Abel, LF Meghan McIntosh, P
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:35 Anna
2:35
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Lets go badgers!!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:35 Guest
2:35
[Comment From Badger RichBadger Rich: ]
ok this game less errors and more home runs go red
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:35 Badger Rich
2:37
Anna:
Mary Massei will get things started for UW. Massei was 0-3 with 1 walk in game 1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:37 Anna
2:38
Anna:
First pitch is a ball out of the zone. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:38 Anna
2:38
Anna:
Second pitch is a ball in the dirt. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:38 Anna
2:38
Anna:
Another ball in the dirt. 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:38 Anna
2:38
Anna:
Four-straight balls for Massei & she walks
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:38 Anna
2:39
Anna:
Kendall Grimm steps in the left side. She was 0-3 in the first game
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:39 Anna
2:39
Anna:
First pitch is the first strike of the game. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:39 Anna
2:39
Anna:
Grimm fouls of the ball in front of the plate. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:39 Anna
2:39
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
is mueller playing first or third base?
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:39 Guest
2:40
Anna:
Mueller is at first
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:40 Anna
2:40
Anna:
Grimm swings and misses. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:40 Anna
2:40
Anna:
Whitney Massey steps in and takes the first pitch for a ball
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:40 Anna
2:40
Anna:
Massey fouls off the ball in front of the plate. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:40 Anna
2:41
Anna:
Massey fouls the ball off down the left field line. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:41 Anna
2:41
Anna:
Massey hits the ball to the first baseman, she turns and throws to second for the second out. Massey is safe at first
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:41 Anna
2:42
Anna:
That brings up Shannel Blackshear with a runner at first. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:42 Anna
2:42
Anna:
Blackshear watches the first pitch for a strike
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:42 Anna
2:42
Anna:
Ball misses high, 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:42 Anna
2:42
Anna:
Blackshear was 1-3 in game 1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:42 Anna
2:42
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off the ball 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:42 Anna
2:43
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off another pitch. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:43 Anna
2:43
Anna:
Ball is high, 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:43 Anna
2:44
Anna:
BOOM! 2-run homer for Shannel Blackshear!
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:44 Anna
2:44
Anna:
Badgers go up 2-0 in the 1st inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:44 Anna
2:44
Anna:
That is Blackshear's 21st career home run, second all-time at UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:44 Anna
2:44
Anna:
Stephanie Peace will try and follow that up
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:44 Anna
2:45
Anna:
1-2 count for Peace
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:45 Anna
2:45
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Way to go Blackshear!! Boom Boom.....
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:45 Guest
2:45
Anna:
Peace hits it hard to center field for the third out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:45 Anna
2:45
Anna:
UW 1st: 2 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:45 Anna
2:46
Anna:
UW leads 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:46 Anna
2:47
BadgerSoftball:
One swing by Blackshear & #Badgers takes a 2-0 lead over #Purdue. Her 21st career HR, 2nd all-time at UW [via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:47 BadgerSoftball
2:47
[Comment From FanFan: ]
lets hold them Badgers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:47 Fan
2:48
Anna:
Meghan McIntosh is starting the game for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:48 Anna
2:48
Anna:
It is her 2nd start in Big Ten games
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:48 Anna
2:48
Anna:
Molly Garst is leading off for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:48 Anna
2:48
Anna:
2-2 count for Garst
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:48 Anna
2:49
Anna:
Garst fouls one off down the left field line
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:49 Anna
2:49
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Gametracker isn't working.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:49 Guest
2:50
Anna:
Garst hits a lead-off single to center field
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:50 Anna
2:50
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:50 Anna
2:50
Anna:
She is hit in the foot by the pitch
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:50 Anna
2:50
Anna:
Runners at first and second. 0 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:50 Anna
2:51
Anna:
The Purdue SID is working on getting it working
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:51 Anna
2:52
Anna:
Varsho strikes out looking. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:52 Anna
2:52
Anna:
Ashley Courtney steps in. First pitch is a called strike
Courtney hits a ball up the middle and it is a fielder's choice. UW tried to get the out at second.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:54 Anna
2:54
Anna:
Bases loaded for Danielle Fletcher
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:54 Anna
2:54
Anna:
First pitch is a ball low. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:54 Anna
2:55
Anna:
Ball is high and out of the zone. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:55 Anna
2:55
Anna:
Another ball, low and outside. 3-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:55 Anna
2:55
Anna:
Strike called. outside. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:55 Anna
2:55
Anna:
Ball misses high. Walks in a run.
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:55 Anna
2:56
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi steps in for Purdue. Bases are still loaded. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:56 Anna
2:57
Anna:
Cassandra Darrah is going to enter the game for McIntosh
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:57 Anna
2:57
Anna:
Bases are loaded and there is one out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:57 Anna
2:57
Anna:
Badgers lead 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:57 Anna
2:58
Anna:
Petruzzi swings at the first pitch from Darrah. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:58 Anna
2:58
Anna:
Petruzzi flies out to shortstop. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:58 Anna
2:59
Anna:
Maia Monchek watches the first pitch for a strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:59 Anna
2:59
Anna:
Ball outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:59 Anna
2:59
Anna:
Moncheck swings and misses. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 2:59 Anna
3:00
Anna:
Darrah misses low and outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:00 Anna
3:00
Anna:
Monchek swings and fouls it off. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:00 Anna
3:00
Anna:
Another foul ball for Monchek
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:00 Anna
3:01
Anna:
Third-straight foul ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:01 Anna
3:01
Anna:
Another foul ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:01 Anna
3:01
Anna:
Monchek swings and misses. Darrah works out of a jam
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:01 Anna
3:02
Anna:
PU 1: 1 run, 1 hit, 0 errors, 3 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:02 Anna
3:02
Anna:
After 1 inning. UW leads, 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:02 Anna
3:04
Anna:
Karla Powell will lead off the top of the 2nd for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:04 Anna
3:04
Anna:
First pitch is a ball outside. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:04 Anna
3:04
Anna:
Powell watches a strike. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:04 Anna
3:04
Anna:
Another ball, outside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:04 Anna
3:04
Anna:
Powell flies out to shallow right field. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:04 Anna
3:05
Anna:
Michelle Mueller steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:05 Anna
3:05
Anna:
First pitch is a strike
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:05 Anna
3:05
Anna:
Mueller fouls off a bunt. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:05 Anna
3:05
Anna:
Mueller reaches and grounds out to second. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:05 Anna
3:06
Anna:
That brings up Maggie Strange. She had a great game in the first game. She was 2-3 with a double
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:06 Anna
3:06
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:06 Anna
3:06
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:06 Anna
3:06
Anna:
Another ball, low. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:06 Anna
3:06
Anna:
Ball three misses low and inside. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:06 Anna
3:07
Anna:
Strange singles up the middle! Have a day Maggie!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:07 Anna
3:07
Anna:
Maria Van Abel steps in & fouls off the first pitch.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:07 Anna
3:07
Anna:
Van Abel is batting .374 this season
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:07 Anna
3:08
Anna:
Ball misses high. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:08 Anna
3:08
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Go Maggie!!! You are awesome.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:08 Guest
3:08
Anna:
Van Abel lays down a bunt for a single. Strange moves to second on the play.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:08 Anna
3:08
Anna:
Mary Massei steps in with runners on first and second. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:08 Anna
3:09
Anna:
First pitch is low, 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:09 Anna
3:09
Anna:
Another ball, this time high and inside. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:09 Anna
3:09
Anna:
Massey swings at a ball low. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:09 Anna
3:10
Anna:
Massei singles up the middle. Runners move up one base.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:10 Anna
3:10
Anna:
Bases loaded for Kendall Grimm
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:10 Anna
3:10
Anna:
She had a career RBI day on Wednesday vs. Indiana State.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:10 Anna
3:10
Anna:
Grimm grounds out the first pitch to first base to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:10 Anna
3:10
Anna:
UW 2nd: 0 runs, 3 hits, 0 errors, 3 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:10 Anna
3:12
Anna:
Ashley Burkhardt will lead off the bottom of the 2nd for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:12 Anna
3:13
Anna:
First pitch from Darrah is a strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:13 Anna
3:13
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:13 Anna
3:13
Anna:
Burkhardt flies out to Massei in right field. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:13 Anna
3:14
Anna:
Tori Chiodo batting next.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:14 Anna
3:14
Anna:
First pitch is a low ball. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:14 Anna
3:14
Anna:
Chiodo fouls off the ball into the Purdue dugout. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:14 Anna
3:15
Anna:
Another foul ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:15 Anna
3:15
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:15 Anna
3:15
Anna:
Foul ball back to the backstop. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:15 Anna
3:16
Anna:
Called strike on the outside corner. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:16 Anna
3:16
Anna:
Molly Garst batting with 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:16 Anna
3:16
Anna:
Garst flies out to center field on the first pitch
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:16 Anna
3:16
Anna:
PU 2ND: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:16 Anna
3:19
Anna:
Whitney Massey will lead off the top of the 3rd
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:19 Anna
3:19
Anna:
First pitch is a ball. Second pitch is a called strike. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:19 Anna
3:20
Anna:
Massey grounds out to second for the first out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:20 Anna
3:20
Anna:
That brings up Shannel Blackshear.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:20 Anna
3:20
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:20 Anna
3:20
Anna:
Ball misses high and outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:20 Anna
3:20
Anna:
Blackshear fouls off the ball down the third base line. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:20 Anna
3:21
Anna:
Ball misses low. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:21 Anna
3:21
Anna:
Another hard foul ball. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:21 Anna
3:22
Anna:
Blackshear gets called out looking. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:22 Anna
3:22
Anna:
That brings up Stephanie Peace
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:22 Anna
3:22
Anna:
first pitch is a ball in the dirt. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:22 Anna
3:22
Anna:
Another ball, low. 2-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:22 Anna
3:22
Anna:
Peace fouls off the outside pitch. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:22 Anna
3:23
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:23 Anna
3:23
Anna:
Called strike on the outside corner. 3-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:23 Anna
3:23
Anna:
Peace doubles off the left field fence!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:23 Anna
3:24
Anna:
It was a line drive that hit about 3 feet below the top of the fence
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
That brings up Karla Powell
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
She is dangerous!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
Another called strike, outside. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
Powell swings and misses to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:24
Anna:
UW 3rd: 0 runs, 1 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:24 Anna
3:25
Anna:
After 2.5 innings, UW leads: 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:25 Anna
3:26
Anna:
Lindsey Rains will lead off the bottom of the 3rd for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:26 Anna
3:27
Anna:
1-1 count for Rains
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:27 Anna
3:28
Anna:
Ball misses low and outside. Rains is a left handed slapper
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:28 Anna
3:28
[Comment From guestguest: ]
she's a hitter not a bunter correct
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:28 guest
3:28
Anna:
She is swinging away and slapping
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:28 Anna
3:28
Anna:
Foul ball. 3-2. That pitch was swung at
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:28 Anna
3:29
Anna:
Rains swings and misses. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:29 Anna
3:29
Anna:
Andie Varsho batting for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:29 Anna
3:30
Anna:
she struck out in her first at bat
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:30 Anna
3:30
Anna:
1-1 count for Varsho as the ball misses outside
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:30 Anna
3:30
Anna:
Varsho fouls the ball straight back. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:30 Anna
3:30
Anna:
Another foul ball for Varsho
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:30 Anna
3:31
Anna:
Varsho strikes out looking. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:31 Anna
3:31
Anna:
Darrah is in a groove!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:31 Anna
3:31
Anna:
First pitch to Ashley Courtney is a strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:31 Anna
3:32
Anna:
Change up outside misses. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:32 Anna
3:32
Anna:
Ball called inside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:32 Anna
3:32
[Comment From IsaacIsaac: ]
how full is camp randall expected to be for the spring game?
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:32 Isaac
3:32
Anna:
Courtney singles down the left field line. Blackshear stops the ball to hold the runner at first
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:32 Anna
3:33
Anna:
I think they are hoping for around 10,000. I'm not in Madison, so I don't know what the weather is like. I think that will determine the crowd
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:33 Anna
3:33
Anna:
I heard that it was raining earlier
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:33 Anna
3:33
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher batting. 1-2 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:33 Anna
3:33
Anna:
Fletcher is called out looking
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:33 Anna
3:34
Anna:
PU 3RD: 0 runs, 1 hit, 0 errors, 1 LON
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:34 Anna
3:34
Anna:
*LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:34 Anna
3:34
[Comment From FanFan: ]
would love to be there.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:34 Fan
3:34
Anna:
Where? Purdue? :)
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:34 Anna
3:35
Anna:
The spring game is a great time to enjoy Camp Randall
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:35 Anna
3:35
Anna:
There was a bunch of activities prior to the game and the Crazy legs race was today
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:35 Anna
3:35
[Comment From FanFan: ]
camp randall!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:35 Fan
3:36
Anna:
Michelle Mueller will get things started for UW in the top of the 4th. Badgers looking for some insurance runs here
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:36 Anna
3:36
Anna:
First pitch is low. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:36 Anna
3:36
Anna:
Mueller fouls one off down the right field line. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:36 Anna
3:36
Anna:
Ball low in the dirt. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:36 Anna
3:36
[Comment From MommamkpMommamkp: ]
I'd like to be at the softball game!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:36 Mommamkp
3:37
Anna:
Mueller lines out to second base. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:37 Anna
3:37
Anna:
Maggie Strange steps in for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:37 Anna
3:37
Anna:
Maggie is having a day today!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:37 Anna
3:37
Anna:
First pitch is a called strike. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:37 Anna
3:37
Anna:
Ball misses low. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:37 Anna
3:38
Anna:
Strange flies out to right field for the 2nd out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:38 Anna
3:38
Anna:
Maria Van Abel lays down bunt on the first pitch, but is out at first.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:38 Anna
3:38
Anna:
UW 4TH: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 0 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:38 Anna
3:40
Anna:
Erika Petruzzi will lead off for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:40 Anna
3:40
[Comment From Badger FanBadger Fan: ]
Wish we were there...go Wisconsin!!! We need this win
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:40 Badger Fan
3:41
Anna:
First pitch from Darrah is a ball outside. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:41 Anna
3:41
Anna:
Called strike. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:41 Anna
3:41
Anna:
Petruzzi fouls off the ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:41 Anna
3:41
Anna:
Catcher's interference is called and Petruzzi gets to take first base
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:41 Anna
3:42
Anna:
Coach Healy is out of the dugout talking to the umps
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:42 Anna
3:42
Anna:
The umpires are now talking about the call
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:42 Anna
3:42
Anna:
The call stands. Petruzzi is at first. 0 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:42 Anna
3:43
Anna:
Maia Monchek steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:43 Anna
3:43
Anna:
Monchek puts down a bunt. Blackshear throws to second to get the out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:43 Anna
3:43
Anna:
The throw was high and Peace had to make a tag on the play. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:43 Anna
3:44
Anna:
Ashley Burkhardt batting with a runner at first & 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:44 Anna
3:44
Anna:
Burkhardt fouls one off. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:44 Anna
3:44
Anna:
Ball high and inside. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:44 Anna
3:45
Anna:
Burkhardt fouls off a bunt. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:45 Anna
3:45
Anna:
Burkhardt hits a grounder to Peace at short & she gets the out at 2nd. Badgers just miss turning the double play. 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:45 Anna
3:45
Anna:
Tori Chiodo steps in with 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:45 Anna
3:46
Anna:
Chiodo fouls off the ball over the Purdue dugout. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:46 Anna
3:46
[Comment From Badger FanBadger Fan: ]
Way to go
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:46 Badger Fan
3:46
Anna:
Mass misses outside. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:46 Anna
3:46
Anna:
Another foul ball. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:46 Anna
3:47
Anna:
Foul ball down the left field line. 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:47 Anna
3:47
Anna:
Chiodo flies out to center field to end the inning.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:47 Anna
3:48
Anna:
PU 4: 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:48 Anna
3:48
Anna:
Sorry, 1 error, that catcher's interference is recorded as an error
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:48 Anna
3:49
[Comment From FanFan: ]
Let's go badgers!!! Lets get some Hits!!!!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:49 Fan
3:49
Anna:
Mary Massei will lead off the top of the 5th for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:49 Anna
3:49
Anna:
Badgers looking for some insurance runs. Lead Purdue 2-1 in the top of the 5th
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:49 Anna
3:49
Anna:
First pitch is a strike
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:49 Anna
3:50
Anna:
Massei fouls a bunt. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:50 Anna
3:50
Anna:
Massei reaches first on a throwing error by the second baseman and then takes second when the ball rolls to the fence.
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:50 Anna
3:50
Anna:
Kendall Grimm batting for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:50 Anna
3:51
Anna:
Grimm fouls off the first pitch. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:51 Anna
3:51
Anna:
Grimm slaps the ball into the ground and she is safe on the basehit
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:51 Anna
3:51
[Comment From Badger FanBadger Fan: ]
Come on K G
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:51 Badger Fan
3:52
Anna:
Badgers have runners on first and third. Whitney Massey batting for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:52 Anna
3:52
Anna:
First pitch is a ball, low. 1-0
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:52 Anna
3:53
Anna:
Kendall Grimm steals second and Massei scores on the poor throw
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:53 Anna
3:53
Anna:
Grimm & Garst, the Purdue shortstop, collided at the base. Both players are a little slow to get up
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:53 Anna
3:54
[Comment From Badger FanBadger Fan: ]
Please no more injuries
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:54 Badger Fan
3:54
Anna:
Everyone looks fine
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:54 Anna
3:54
Anna:
Whitney Massey still batting. 1-1 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:54 Anna
3:54
Anna:
Ball misses high
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:54 Anna
3:55
Anna:
Massey lines out to right field. Grimm can't advance on the play. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:55 Anna
3:55
Anna:
Badgers lead 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:55 Anna
3:55
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:55 Anna
3:56
Anna:
Blackshear fouls the ball straight back. 0-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:56 Anna
3:56
Anna:
Ball misses low and inside
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:56 Anna
3:57
Anna:
Blackshear hits the ball hard to third base. Purdue's third baseman throws the ball over the first baseman & the runners move to second and third on the play
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:57 Anna
3:58
Anna:
Tancill will run for Blackshear at second
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:58 Anna
3:59
Anna:
Lexi Moore enters the game to pitch for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 3:59 Anna
4:00
Anna:
Stephanie Peace is batting with runners on second and third. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:00 Anna
4:01
Anna:
Peace turns on the first pitch & hits it foul down the left field line. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:01 Anna
4:01
Anna:
Peace puts down a suicide squeeze & Grimm is safe at the plate. Peace advanced to second and Tancill took third,
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:01 Anna
4:01
Anna:
Badgers lead 4-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:01 Anna
4:01
Anna:
Karla Powell steps in
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:01 Anna
4:02
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
great job peace!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:02 Guest
4:02
Anna:
Powell puts down a suicide squeeze and Tancill scores!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:02 Anna
4:02
Anna:
Peace moves to third on the play. Badgers lead 5-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:02 Anna
4:03
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
yaaa kp!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Guest
4:03
Anna:
Michelle Mueller batting
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Anna
4:03
Anna:
Powell runs a delayed steal to second and Peace executes a great slide at the plate!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Anna
4:03
[Comment From Badger FanBadger Fan: ]
Keep it going!!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Badger Fan
4:03
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Way to go Shannel, Kendall and Karla.
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Guest
4:03
[Comment From aspasp: ]
Purdue not respecting the bunt?
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 asp
4:03
Anna:
Purdue was respecting Powell's power!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:03 Anna
4:04
Anna:
Ball outside for Mueller. 3-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:04 Anna
4:04
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
peace!
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:04 Guest
4:04
Anna:
Mueller flies out to right. 2 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:04 Anna
4:04
Anna:
Maggie Strange steps in with a runner on 2nd & 2 outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:04 Anna
4:05
Anna:
Strange flies out to center field to end the inning
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:05 Anna
4:05
Anna:
UW 5th: 4 runs, 3 hits, 3 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:05 Anna
4:06
[Comment From Fan from AZFan from AZ: ]
Let's go WIsco.
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:06 Fan from AZ
4:07
Anna:
Molly Garst leading off the bottom of the 5th for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:07 Anna
4:07
Anna:
Garst singles up the middle
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:07 Anna
4:07
Anna:
Lindsey Rains steps in the Boilermakers
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:07 Anna
4:08
Anna:
Badgers need to focus on outs
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:08 Anna
4:08
Anna:
Rains fouls the ball off behind the backstop. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:08 Anna
4:09
BadgerSoftball:
#Badgers put together a B1G 5th inning & score 4 runs to take a 6-1 lead over #Purdue[via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:09 BadgerSoftball
4:09
Anna:
Rains flies out to center. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:09 Anna
4:09
Anna:
Andie Varsho batting next for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:09 Anna
4:09
Anna:
Varsho fouls off the first pitch. 0-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:09 Anna
4:09
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 1-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:09 Anna
4:10
Anna:
Ball misses low
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:10 Anna
4:10
Anna:
Garst steals second. the pitch was a change up low. 2-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:10 Anna
4:10
Anna:
Oops, strike. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:10 Anna
4:11
Anna:
Varsho flies out to left. 2 out. Garst moves to third on the play
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:11 Anna
4:11
Anna:
UW just threw the ball to second and Garst is called out for leaving early
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:11 Anna
4:13
Anna:
Van Abel will lead off the sixth for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:13 Anna
4:13
Anna:
0-2 count to Van Abel
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:13 Anna
4:14
Anna:
Van Abel fouls the ball off toward third base
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:14 Anna
4:14
Anna:
Van Abel grounds out to third. She just misses being safe by a step. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:14 Anna
4:14
Anna:
Mary Massei up next
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:14 Anna
4:14
[Comment From kateokateo: ]
Wisconsin all the way1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:14 kateo
4:15
Anna:
Massei doubles to right-center field.
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:15 Anna
4:15
Anna:
Kendall Grimm steps in with a runner on second & one out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:15 Anna
4:16
Anna:
Grimm slaps the ball to shortstop. Massei moves to third
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:16 Anna
4:16
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
Whow threw the ball to second to get the double play in the last inning? Good heads up play.
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:16 Guest
4:17
Anna:
The ball went from left to short to second base
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:17 Anna
4:17
[Comment From Badger RichBadger Rich: ]
anyone else feeling a run rule win in the making
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:17 Badger Rich
4:17
Anna:
3-2 count for Massey
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:17 Anna
4:18
Anna:
Massey lines the ball to the right field fence & doubles for the 15th time this season. A new UW single-season record
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:18 Anna
4:18
Anna:
Shannel Blackshear batting next for UW
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:18 Anna
4:19
Anna:
1-1 count
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:19 Anna
4:19
[Comment From GuestGuest: ]
wooo hoooooooo
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:19 Guest
4:19
Anna:
Blackshear fouls the ball off to the backstop
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:19 Anna
4:19
Anna:
Blackshear fight one off, 1-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:19 Anna
4:19
Anna:
Ball misses outside. 2-2
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:19 Anna
4:20
Anna:
Foul ball down the first baseline
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:20 Anna
4:20
Anna:
Blackshear swings & misses
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:20 Anna
4:20
Anna:
UW 6: 1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 LOB
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:20 Anna
4:23
BadgerSoftball:
Massey doubles for the 15th time this season breaks @UNCCoachBoo's single-season record. #Badgers lead #Purdue 7-1 [via Twitter]
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:23 BadgerSoftball
4:23
[Comment From KateoKateo: ]
Badgers you're the best! Thanks Mary
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:23 Kateo
4:23
Anna:
3-2 count for Ashley Courtney
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:23 Anna
4:24
Anna:
Badgers lead Purdue 7-1
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:24 Anna
4:24
Anna:
Courtney grounds out to Blackshear at third. 1 out
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:24 Anna
4:24
Anna:
Danielle Fletcher batting for Purdue
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:24 Anna
4:25
Anna:
0-2 count to Fletcher
Saturday April 28, 2012 4:25 Anna
4:25
Anna:
Fletcher fouls the inside pitch straight back to the screen. 0-2
Leave it to Peter Konz --a "big media buff'' by his own admission -- to give everyone a good sound bite and quote during his introductory teleconference Friday with the Atlanta Falcons media.
On being drafted in the second round (No. 55 overall) by the Falcons, Konz confided, "Well, little do people know this, but I was never a Packers fan growing up.''
Konz grew up in Neenah, which is less than 40 miles from Green Bay.
"When the Falcons were in the Super Bowl,'' he said, "I was doing the Dirty Bird.''
There's a very good chance that Konz punctuated that statement with his vintage laugh.
The "Dirty Bird'' reference was to the 1998 Falcons and the arm-flapping celebration that defined their Super Bowl team. Running back Jamal Anderson was credited as the choreographer.
When Konz was asked if he was disappointed to fall into the second round of the draft, he said, "It doesn't matter where I fell to because I love the team that picked me.''
Many mock drafts had Konz going late in the first round. While he was generally listed as the top center available, some teams projected him as a guard. That included the Falcons.
"I can't emphasize enough how important it is Konz can play both guard and center,'' said Atlanta general manager Thomas Dimitroff. "We have him listed as a guard-center.''
During his pro workout day in Madison, Konz underlined the value of versatility.
"Some teams had me snap -- some teams had me in a right-handed or a left-handed stance to get a feel for it (guard),'' Konz said. "In the NFL, they have seven spots (on the offensive line):
"Five for starters, one for an inside player, one for a tackle.''
As for where Konz believes that he can play, he said, "Anywhere I can help the team.''
Another correct answer.
"He can pull, he can trap, he's a very athletic center,'' said ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper. "Durability is a concern with the longer NFL season. Can he hold up physically down the road?''
Konz believes that he can. "I'm one of those players, even if I'm not 100 percent, I'm not going to baby it (the injury),'' he said. "I'm going to play and I'm going to work through it to help the team.''
Jon Gruden is definitely convinced that Konz can help the Falcons.
"He's a screen center,'' he said. "You love to have a center who can get out on screens and can pull to block some of these second-level linebackers. He has great playing range.
"Strength and durability is the issue, but the Falcons needed a young center. (Todd) McClure has been there a long time; he's 35-years old. He (Konz) will have a nice mentor.''
McClure, a free agent, just resigned with the Falcons.
Before the Seattle Seahawks selected Wisconsin's Russell Wilson in the third round of the National Football League draft Friday night, the debate -- on whether a quarterback under 6 feet tall can be successful at the pro level -- raged between Mel Kiper and Jon Gruden on the ESPN set.
This was not the first time that Kiper, the network's draft analyst since 1984, and Gruden, the former NFL head coach, had engaged each other on the topic. But what made it unique during Friday's telecast was the fact that Wilson had given ESPN access to his viewing party in Washington, D.C.
So while Kiper and Gruden were trading verbal punches -- ESPN's Chris Berman and Todd McShay also joined the fray --Wilson was shown on camera from time to time with wife Ashton, younger sister Anna, older brother Harry, mother Tammy and some family friends.
Before the Seahawks even went on the clock in the second round with the 75th selection overall, Kiper advanced his "If only he were just a little taller'' platform. Making one concession on Wilson's listed height -- "We'll push him to 5-11'' -- he still conceded, "I know Jon you get aggravated (with me).''
Kiper then qualified Wilson as a "test case'' for all quarterbacks under 6 feet tall -- or in that 5-11 range -- that will follow him into the NFL over the next 10 years. "If he can't make it,'' said Kiper, allowing that Wilson would get a chance to be a starter, "nobody can at that particular height.''
Berman jumped in and noted that Wilson took the Badgers to the Rose Bowl.
"He has a lot of 'it', though, doesn't he Jon?'' Berman posed to Gruden.
Gruden began morphing into Chucky, his alter-ego, and challenged Kiper.
"What do you want him to do?'' pleaded Gruden. "He's done it in two different offenses (at North Carolina State and Wisconsin). You probably downgraded Ray Lewis (6-1), didn't you? And Wes Welker (5-9). You probably downgraded (Darren) Sproles (5-6) and Maurice Jones-Drew (5-7).
"You discriminate against guys who aren't 6-feet tall -- guys like me.
"Russell Wilson is going to go (in the draft) and he's going to go real quick,'' Gruden predicted, "and he's going to be one of those guys who defies the odds because the difference between Drew Brees and Michael Vick and Russell Wilson, size-wise, is that much ...''
Holding up his right hand, there was an inch separation between his index finger and thumb.
"That's what you're talking about Mel,'' he said of the size differential between the 5-11 Wilson and Brees and Vick, both of whom are listed at 6-foot. "You're starting to aggravate me again.''
Countered Kiper, "Jon, 28 of the 32 starting quarterbacks (in the NFL) are 6-2 or taller.''
Nobody under 6 feet is starting in the league right now, he added.
Enter McShay who has taken on the co-draft guru role with Kiper for ESPN.
"I do think his accuracy dips a little bit when he's in the pocket compared to when he's rolling out,'' he said of Wilson. "But I never scouted a quarterback who's under 6 feet tall who can see the field and do the things that he can do.''
McShay admitted that he had Wilson projected for the sixth or seventh round when he began watching him. "I didn't give him a chance,'' he said. "(But) I kept watching him and watching him and I got to know him a little bit and I got to talk to people around him.
"This guy has everything you look for in the quarterback position. To me, he is the test case; he shows that somebody his size can get it done. I truly believe at some point in time we're going to be talking about Russell Wilson as a starter in the NFL.''
Kiper then felt obligated to defend himself.
"I'm not picking on Russell Wilson; I'm a fan of Russell Wilson,'' he emphasized. "On a scale of 1 to 10 -- character-wise -- he's a 15. Jon, I said it yesterday, if he was 6-2, he'd be a top-10 pick.''
Berman name-dropped Doug Flutie into the discussion.
McShay said, "It's going to take him being Drew Brees. He's going to have to do every single thing that Drew Brees does; all the little things (because) there are limitations.''
Throughout this heated exchange between analysts, the camera was on Wilson.
"I think he wants to jump through the TV and strangle you right now,'' McShay said to Kiper.
Wilson, who had a whimsical look on his face, picked up the TV remote.
"He just muted you, Mel,'' McShay bellowed.
Kiper then presented his summation to the jury.
"If he's good enough to make it, he will open up the door (to other QBs under 6 feet),'' Kiper said. "I think we'd all agree on one thing, he will have to beat the odds.''
Berman interjected that "the odds are beatable'' before Gruden responded with his closing argument. "This kid can play,'' he said. "He's going to prove it to you (pointing at Kiper). He's going to prove it to you (pointing at McShay). He's going to prove it to everybody. You just wait and see.''
ESPN finally got around to interviewing Wilson.
"It was a remarkable experience,'' he said of the phone call that he received from Seattle coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider, who formerly worked for the Green Bay Packers.
"It was an unbelievable moment for me. I've been waiting for this my whole entire life. The Lord is so good -- to have my family here with me -- I know my dad is watching (Russell Wilson's father, Harrison, passed away in June of 2010).''
Former UW quarterback Darrell Bevell, who led the Badgers to a Big Ten title in 1993 and the Rose Bowl, is the offensive coordinator in Seattle. Based on his conversations, Wilson said that he knew that the Seahawks were serious about him.
"I knew it would be a great place for me to play,'' he said.
Although the Seahawks signed free agent Matt Flynn (the former Packer) and still have Tarvaris Jackson on their roster, Gruden was of the opinion that it was a good fit for Wilson because Seattle runs a West Coast offense similar to what Wilson operated during his four years at NC State.
"Coach Gruden, as you know, it's a great offense to be in,'' said Wilson, who appeared on ESPN's Gruden's QB Camp series. "But I want to know it all. Like we talked about being on a quest for knowledge; I'm definitely going to be on that quest and I can't wait to learn.
"I have to get there (Seattle) and learn the playbook as quick as possible and just dive into it and try to be a great teammate and a great lockeroom guy, and just work my butt off.''
Reflecting on his Badger experience, Wilson said, "I went to an unbelievable place in the University of Wisconsin and had a tremendous coach in Bret Bielema and had a great offensive coordinator in Paul Chryst ...
"I got there (Madison) July 1; pretty much everyone was away on Fourth of July weekend. I called a player's only meeting on July 7 and brought all the guys together. I told them about my life. I told them about my situation from going to NC State and why I wanted to go to Wisconsin.''
Wilson also told his new UW teammates "how I was there to compete and how I was there to win and I think the guys really fed off of that and really understood that I was there to do everything I could to be the best player that I could be ...''
Kiper eventually got around to addressing the question du jour to Wilson, "What do you say to doubters and skeptics who say anyone under 6 feet can't be a starter in the NFL?''
"The main thing,'' Wilson replied, "is this has been my perspective my whole life. My height doesn't define my skill set. I know I'm 5-11, but I can play tall in the pocket. I can make accurate throws. I can deliver the ball on time. I can be great on third down and be great in the red zone.
"One thing I can control is my work ethic. I can also control my knowledge of the game -- how I study and how I get into the film room and how I just try to learn as much as I possibly can to give me that much more of an advantage .. I'm so fired up to be a Seattle Seahawk. I can't wait to play.''
McShay spoke for many, maybe even Kiper, when he concluded, "He wins you over.''
Wisconsin right guard Kevin Zeitler made a point of shaking everybody's hand after his April 4 workout at the McClain Facility. More than a dozen NFL teams were represented, including the Cincinnati Bengals, who sent their veteran offensive line coach, Paul Alexander, to evaluate Zeitler.
The 52-year-old Alexander, who also carries the title of assistant head coach (to Marvin Lewis), has been with the Bengals for nearly two decades. Alexander is no stranger to the Big Ten brand of hard-nosed football. He served as a grad assistant under Bo Schembechler and Joe Paterno.
You can understand why he would like what he saw out of Zeitler, a throwback, who doesn't have any frills to his old-school game or his blue-collar personality. That was the statement that Zeitler was trying to make when he personally thanked each of the coaches who had traveled to Madison.
"I was always told that you want to make a good impression with your handshake,'' said Zeitler, explaining his vice-like grip that had strangers counting their fingers when they were eventually able to pull away from him. "But I'm not trying to break anybody's hand.''
At least that was not his intent. "I try to have a nice firm handshake -- hoping that I will impress people -- hoping that they will remember me,'' said Zeitler, adding that he wants to send out this message, "I'm here to play or something like that.''
When asked if he felt like there were any questions that he still had to answer for all of these NFL teams that were working him out, he paused to collect his thoughts and then said, "Can I be a first rounder, I guess? That would be the question. So I'm trying to prove that I'm a high pick.''
Zeitler admitted that he had no idea where he might land in the draft. He wasn't even sure who really liked him. "Sometimes it's the people who don't talk to you who draft you,'' he said. "It's going to be a nice surprise for me whenever I do get taken. I'll be happy no matter where it is.''
Zeitler is very happy today after being a first round draft pick (No. 27 overall) of the Cincinnati Bengals. Before the selection was announced, Jon Gruden took the ESPN audience inside Cincinnati's war room; suggesting the coaching staff was deciding between Zeitler and Georgia's Cordy Glenn.
The Bengals had to address a pressing need at offensive guard, Gruden said.
Someone, after all, has to block the likes of Baltimore's nose masher Haloti Ngata, he added.
That someone turned out to be Zeitler.
After ESPN host Chris Berman complimented Gruden for foreshadowing the selection, Gruden countered, "I don't know anything about the draft process. I do know that Kevin Zeitler is another Wisconsin Badger that can come off the ball and do some things athletically.
"He can play in a zone scheme. He's an athletic puller. He can find his target. He can redirect. At the end of the day, he can thump you. I think the Bengals knew that the Ravens were looking at Zeitler later in this round (at No. 29) to replace Ben Grubbs (a free agent).
"We already talked about the lack of guards on the Bengals football team,'' Gruden went on. "(Quarterback) Andy Dalton needs firm protection, so he can step up in the pocket. Zeitler is a good athlete. He's not an elite athlete. But he's an every down wrecking machine that works to finish.''
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper noted that the Chicago Bears drafted a "mauler'' in former UW offensive tackle Gabe Carimi in the first round of the 2011 draft. "That's what Kevin Zeitler is -- a true mauler,'' said Kiper. "He's powerful in the upper body and he will battle ...''
Scratch and claw were the words that Kiper used to describe Zeitler's competitiveness.
"He gets the most out of his talent,'' he continued. "He's not real athletic. But I'll tell you what, he played at a very high level and there were a lot of teams late in the first round that wanted him to be a part of their offensive line.''
Zeitler was one of two first round picks for the Bengals; the other was Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis said, "Both players have opportunities to start and work their way into the lineup. We drafted both of them to play.''
This is only the second time in franchise history that the Bengals have drafted an offensive guard in the first round. In 1984, they took North Carolina's Brian Blados with the 28th selection overall. Cincinnati does have some history with hard-nosed Badgers, though, most notably Tim Krumrie.
In addition to Krumrie, who spent many memorable seasons as a nose guard and defensive line coach in Cincinnati, the current Bengals staff features Jay Hayes, a former UW assistant under Barry Alvarez, whose son, Jesse, is a freshman defensive end with the Badgers.
Zeitler should feel right at home, too, in the company of a couple of his new Cincinnati teammates: defensive tackle Nick Hayden and fullback Chris Pressley. Both are former Badgers. In the end, Zeitler obviously made a lasting impression on his new position coach, Alexander.
"When we went to work him out in Wisconsin,'' Alexander recalled, "we called him and he came down and met us at the car ... he's a wonderful guy. He's as good as guy as there is, and he's a good player. I think when you get a chance to take a guy like that; he helps your whole team, not just his spot.
"He's a great program guy, team guy. He's the type of guy if you went fishing at the lake all day, some guys after an hour; you want to throw them in the water. But this guy is more along the line that you can just sit out there all day with him.
"He's going to work like that in terms of football.''
By Patrick Herb on April 25, 2012 3:28 PM
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Two days after Wisconsin's season-ending loss to Syracuse in the "Sweet 16," an email from junior Zach Bohannon showed up in my inbox.
Bohannon, who redshirted in 2011-12 after transferring to Wisconsin from Air Force, was unable to travel with the team due to NCAA transfer rules. Instead he holed up in the UW men's basketball office at the Kohl Center and watched the season come to an end just like the rest of us.
However, unlike the rest of us, Zach's therapy to deal with the loss was to write about it. This is what he sent me.
The Longest 15 Seconds of My Life By Zach Bohannon
Just over 15 seconds remained on the clock...
Wisconsin just got the ball back, down 63-64, and it was in none other than Jordan Taylor's hands. As I sat watching the game from the basketball offices back at the Kohl Center, I could not help but think about what a picturesque scene this truly was. Wisconsin was in the Sweet 16, playing against a team that was ranked #1 in the nation for a good majority of the year and we had the final shot to win it. Coach Ryan, who strategically chose not to use his final timeout after we regained possession, more importantly trusted that Jordan would be able to make a play and send us into the next round. Who better would you want with the ball in that situation anyways?
Less than 13 seconds remained on the clock...
Jordan dribbled the ball up across the half court line and the top two defenders in Syracuse's ferocious 2-3 zone defense played a game of cat and mouse with him. Wisconsin had the play "Horns" called, which is two high ball screens at each side of the lane. This action was made famous by two-time NBA champion coach Chuck Daly, who coined the term in the 1980's. The play was exploited by Syracuse due to their great length and athleticism. However, Jordan tried to make a play anyways, something that Wisconsin fans saw countless times throughout his stellar career, but nothing was there. He retreat dribbled back to half court, a maneuver that has been drilled into his head religiously the past four seasons by Coach Ryan when you are under pressure. Time was running out and Jordan knew it, but still somehow kept his cool.
Less than 10 seconds remained on the clock...
Jordan took a look up at the clock and saw it was now or never to make something happen. He dialed in and dribbled right back at the two Syracuse guards, putting both of them on their heels. He drew a double team and whipped a right-handed pass around the left side of the top defender. The pass landed in Jordan's senior teammate hands of Rob Wilson. This was typical Jordan, knowing when to give up the ball when he had to. He became famous for this throughout his marvelous career as well, while along the way, shattering the NCAA's assist to turnover record. This was the action that made Jordan such a great player at Wisconsin, he knew when to take over a game but more importantly, he knew when it was time to make his teammates better. This was one of those.
Less than 7 seconds remained on the clock...
As the ball bounced to the floor and Rob caught a perfect pass from Jordan, he as well was immediately double teamed. Rob tried to pump fake to shake one of the defenders off of him, but it was to no avail. He was in a similar situation as Jordan was just in and knew nothing was there, so he kicked it back out to the point guard.
Less than 5 seconds remained on the clock...
Jordan received the bounce pass and took one right handed dribble in order to gather some momentum to get up a decent look from three. He found an opening and it was a miracle that he even got up a decent look. The infinitesimal gap he found to shoot was closed with not one, but two Syracuse defenders. However, Jordan still got the shot off cleanly with 3.3 seconds left, a smart play because he gave our team just enough time to have an opportunity for an offensive rebound and a put back to win. No one was thinking about that at the time though. As the shot was released, for that one second the ball was in the air, the world stopped spinning and everyone was focused on the spinning orange leather globe. Everyone was on their feet praying for two different outcomes. As I use to say when I was younger, the "good guys" (Badgers) were praying for only one more basket. The "bad guys" (Syracuse) were praying for one final miss. With exactly two seconds left, the shot fell inches short. But the season was not quite over yet.
Less than 2 seconds remained on the clock...
The one Badger who always found a way to get his hands in on the action throughout the year, found a way to do it again. Mike Bruesewitz "bruised" his way to another rebound and tapped it just enough to keep it alive, a play he had done countless times as well in the season. The ball was knocked to the floor with exactly one and a half seconds left and it was found in the hands of Josh Gasser, a player who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, had done it once again. Realizing that time was about to expire, he threw up a desperation one handed fade away shot as the horn sounded and it hit nothing. Nothing, but air.
No time remained on the clock...
The game was officially over. The scoreboard's red light was on, no more time was left, no fouls had been called, and nothing was reviewable. The final 15 seconds of Wisconsin's year had come to a halt, but more sadly, we witnessed the final game of two more great Badgers, Jordan Taylor and Rob Wilson. These excellent ambassadors of not only the basketball program, but of the University of Wisconsin as a whole, just like that had both finished up their careers in this last play. Rob immediately bent down and put his hands on his knees, while Jordan put his jersey over his face. It was all over. The "good guys" did not win. Jordan and Rob did not get their one shining moment like they had dreamed of since they were little kids shooting hoops in their backyard and on the playground. Both of their four year college windows were over. In a blink of an eye, their careers were done.
The clock is ticking...
That is the magical thing about sports. The "good guys" do not always come out on top, even if they played their best and up to their potential. It is a mysterious phenomenon to grasp; that is, hard work does not always lead to success. One works his entire life to have that one golden opportunity, but it still sometimes is not enough. Through all of this however, we are forgetting to mention the hundreds of thousands of seconds that led to those final 15 seconds of their careers. Years down the road, this play will be meaningless. Sure we will remember that Wisconsin lost to Syracuse in the Sweet 16, but more importantly, we will remember the great lessons that these two fine seniors had shown throughout their careers.
Let's start with Rob. I do not think you can come up with a better word for his career than perseverance. Rob exhibited this trait throughout his career, and I am not only talking about on the court, but in the classroom as well. Rob is going to be the first college graduate in his family when he gets his degree this May. He overcame that great barrier, which should be applauded on its own. However, Rob did even more. On the court, Rob struggled throughout his career to get consistent minutes. His career was a roller coaster, with many highs and lows. His senior season in particular, he played sporadic minutes up until the second half of the Big Ten season, until finally he had taken advantage of his opportunity. The great thing that the average fan did not see was the hard work and commitment he showed through the tough times. Rob never pouted or got upset for a long period of time, he would be mad initially, but he moved on. He just prayed for one more opportunity to show what he really could do and what he believed in himself to be able to do. He persevered until finally he solidified his minutes and had a huge role on the team. To the average fan, Rob came out of nowhere and scored 30 points, along with tying a Wisconsin record of 7 three's, in a big win over Indiana in the conference tournament. However, the average fan did not see the thousands of shots and extra sessions in the gym through his difficult times. In regards to his final play, just the fact that Rob was in the game and in a position to make a play against #1 seeded Syracuse was a feat by itself, but showed how much he grew as a person throughout his career. He kept getting better and his hard work was rewarded. In the end, his perseverance paid off.
Now time to talk about Jordan. The one obvious word that defines his career and who he was is leader. As Coach Ryan often jokes, Jordan could possibly be "the future Governor." That's a pretty strong statement coming from your head coach, but I honestly think that is an understatement on just quite how great of a leader he truly is. His leadership skills put him second to none and could easily make him the President if he wanted to! Jordan will be one of the greatest leaders to come out of the University of Wisconsin, ever. He is that great with people, but that is not what makes him special. It is his ability to get people to not only listen to him, but to follow him as well. A lot of people, including most sports writers, said that the year that Jordan had this year was a "down year" compared to what he accomplished last year and he was no longer "a top five point guard in the country." That kind of statement is just mind boggling. He went from a Sweet 16 team, losing three starters, including one to the NBA, came back the following year as a senior, with a bunch of "no names", and accomplished the same, if not more. He turned these "no names" to household names in the mere matter of months. He led the team to not only a point away from an Elite Eight game, but he won a game in the conference tournament, something Wisconsin had not done the previous three years, and he was only one game out of the conference title race. Not bad for a senior point guard that's team was predicted to finish 7th in the Big Ten this year. He single handedly willed his team this year from start to finish, and took more burdens on himself than any single person deserves. But that's what leaders do, they take the blame when the going gets rough, and praises their teammates when their on a high. That's what Jordan did, time and time again throughout the year. It was an honor to be in his locker room and on the court, along with Rob, this season.
As I sat down to write this the morning after the game, coincidentally the basketball team was just landing in Madison and coming back from Boston. I could not help but think of the greater implications of the picturesque scene that they came back to. Jordan and Rob had started their next stage of their lives, the ending of one thing led to the beginning of another for them. However, someone, somewhere decided to still mourn. The day was overcast with a slight rain that happened throughout the day. We never did see the sun that day, the big orange thing, a metaphor for the mascot of Syracuse, was off hiding. They knew that the career of two great young men had just come to a close. They did not want to be anywhere near Madison, and someone greater than us all decided to mourn as well.
As a sports fan, eventually you will forget about great games, great plays or even great players. However, the one thing you will not forget will be the players who touched your life emotionally, either directly or indirectly. If each one of us could take these lessons and learn from them like we did from these two great seniors, think about how better off we would be. I hope that each one of you prepare for your "one shining moment" with every ounce of energy you have. Don't ever give up on that vision either, because the struggle will be worth it. Now what are you waiting for?! Your time is limited, and the clock is ticking...
Wisconsin men's cross country coach Mick Byrne generously described his musical tastes with the confession that "I'm all over the place.''
Byrne has downloaded everything from Real Estate to Bon Iver, from The Cure to Coldplay, from Bruce Springsteen to Eric Hutchinson, from Adele to Mumford & Sons.
Byrne is likely to add to his list after hearing "The Big Shady Trees'' (pictured above) perform Monday night during the fourth annual Buckinghams at the Overture Center.
Elliot Krause was on drums, Zach Mellon was on guitar and Will Ottow was the vocalist for a cover version of Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy.''
What was the genesis for the group's name, The Big Shady Trees?
"We're all tall and slim,'' Krause reasoned.
Krause, Mellon and Ottow all run for Byrne and the Badgers. How crazy is that?
"We do have a lot of musical talent on the team,'' Byrne volunteered. "When we go on trips, the guys will sometimes bring guitars and they're singing all the time. It's hilarious.''
Funny thing is, they know when it's time to get down to work -- on the track and in the classroom.
Last November, the Badgers won a national championship in men's cross country, the fifth in school history and first since 2005.
Monday night at the Buckinghams, the highest cumulative GPA team awards went to men's and women's cross country.
"We sit down before the season and as a team determine what goals we would like to set,'' said Caitlin Comfort, a senior from Peoria. "Highest GPA is one of them, and we take a lot of pride in it.''
Elliot Krause, a senior from Appleton, pointed out that athletes are frequently stereotyped -- stigmas are unfairly but routinely attached -- and this type of academic recognition helps dispel myths.
It definitely starts, too, at the top with Byrne.
"Mick's general philosophy is that the whole college experience isn't just about running,'' said Krause, a two-time Academic All-American. "But he doesn't baby us through the process.
"You have to take the initiative and do things yourself.''
Byrne's approach promotes the development of study habits and discipline, Krause said. "He's developing you as a person so when you leave college you can be successful,'' he added.
In February, Byrne's Badgers were cited as the Scholar Team of the Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
"When I came here four years ago,'' Byrne said, "one of the challenges that I threw out to the guys was, 'Look, we have to work harder in the classroom.'
"I felt like they weren't putting their best foot forward and I chose to keep on their case about it. We encouraged them and we kicked them in the butt when they needed to be kicked in the butt.
"The end result has been that they've gotten a little bit better every semester.''
The Badgers finished the cross country season with a team grade-point average of 3.08.
"It's not acceptable for them to be below 3.00,'' Byrne said. "That's the least we can ask from them. It's a high standard (academically), but our athletes compete at a high standard.
"If they can do that on the track -- or in cross country -- why can't they do that in the classroom? It certainly starts with me and what my expectations are. But it also comes from the older kids.''
Krause acknowledged the necessity for that kind of accountability and leadership.
"The younger guys, especially the freshmen are always looking up to the older guys,'' he said, "and when they see them taking care of business, on and off the track, that sets a good example.
"It's like, 'These guys are getting it done in the classroom. That's what is expected of me.'''
Comfort was one of the Performance Award winners Monday night. These student-athletes are nominated by their advisors or learning specialists for their academic work and improvement.
"When you come in as a freshman everything is totally new to you,'' Comfort said. "So it's really about getting your feet on the ground and realizing what you're here for.
"Ultimately, you're here to get a degree and obviously athletics comes after that. But it's also about making sacrifices; staying in on the weekends to get homework done.
"It's about coming back to your dorm or your apartment right after practice is over and working on homework. It's about waking up an hour or two early to study some more before a test.
"It's about time management and balancing (academics and athletics).''
But you have to know what your priorities are, she emphasized.
"You'll hear everyone say, 'It's all about balancing your time' and there's a reason everyone says it, and that's because it really is the most important thing,'' Krause said.
"But you also have to give yourself a little bit of time to breath and relax every once in awhile. Mick has this thing about overcooked turkey and how it doesn't taste very good.''
That would be a Byrne metaphor on life whereby he's suggesting that the student-athlete can fall prey to the stress or pressure of expectations within the classroom and on the playing field or track.
"Eventually you're going to overcook yourself,'' Krause said.
In this context, the Buckinghams are a breath of fresh air since they represent a celebration of academic excellence and achievement through community service and other vehicles.
Moreover, there is a special bonding component to the event -- rallying all sports on campus.
"Last year, I got the invite and Mick told me that I should go to the Buckinghams,'' Krause said, "and I was real reluctant. I thought it was another formal event that would be real dry and boring.''
Once exposed to what the Buckinghams are all about, he was hooked.
"I love it,'' Comfort said. "You rarely find all the athletes in one venue at one time. So it's kind of nice to see everybody together -- all the different athletes from all the different sports.
"You get to mingle and you get to catch up.
"It's nice to see everyone dressed up and not in athletic gear.''
Byrne has become a big proponent of the Buckinghams.
"I love this, I absolutely love it,'' he said. "It's a got a great feel about it to the point where I've encouraged all of our kids to go.
"It's good to see that there's a reward for doing well in the classroom; a reward for getting involved in the community; a reward for getting involved in leadership programs.
"That's all good and there's a trickle down affect to all of our athletes.''
There are some unique twists to the Buckinghams, like the red carpet leading into the theater.
There's also the innocence and freshness of the performers.
Whether it's women's hockey player Katy Josephs playing the piano and singing "Only Hope'' by Mandy Moore ...
Whether it's women's rower Kendall Schmidt performing an original tap dance routine to "Turn up the Music'' by Chris Brown.
Whether it's quarterback Joel Stave playing the piano and singing "Drops of Jupiter'' by Train...
Whether it's women's cross country's Lavinia Jurkiewicz ballroom dancing with her partner to "Rabiosa'' by Shakira ...
Whether it's linebacker A.J. Fenton playing the guitar and softball player Kendall Grimm singing "Firework'' by Katy Perry ...
Whether it's The Big Shady Trees ...
It all works.
"Any opportunity we get as administrators or coaches,'' Byrne said, "to recognize our student-athletes for their achievements is great, and this is a fun way of doing that."
