Goodman Diamond welcomes Badgers home

BY KELLI GRASHEL
UW Athletic Communications

MADISON, Wis. — After dominating preseason competition against lesser-ranked teams in the RPI, the first Big Ten series of the season was a big test for the Badgers and they passed with flying colors.

UW won its three-game series over Northwestern in Evanston for the first time since 2001 to mark a notable milestone for the squad. The Badgers have a long list of goals to accomplish in the conference season and that was just the first check mark.

"Northwestern is always great. They win a lot, they've got that legacy," head coach Yvette Healy said. "We know that not that many people go to Northwestern and win a series, especially Wisconsin. It's been 16 years and the team is looking to make history, this group, so to come out here and do that on the road, opening Big Ten weekend is a big deal."

Wisconsin made a huge jump in the RPI, moving up more than 10 spots to No. 23. Additionally, the Badgers are ranked No. 21 by ESPN/USA Softball for the second week in a row, tying the program's highest-ever ranking.

Reasonably so as the Badgers are fresh off an exciting week at Louisville and Northwestern for their spring break trip. UW had a dominant win over Louisville (10-1) before clinching the series against Northwestern in Evanston for the first time in 16 years.

"I think we're special. I think we work hard," junior Kelsey Jenkins said. "The coaches are all on board, all the scouting and the film. All the players, we're all on the same page. In every huddle after every inning, we try to set a little mini goal of, 'We need to push one. We need two people to get on. We need to get a bunt.' or something.

"Setting those goals and then achieving those goals allows us to grow with our goals. Our goal was to win the series and it was awesome to win."

Batting right behind Jenkins' fire power in the lineup is senior Chloe Miller, who currently leads the nation in batting average, in addition to leading the Big Ten in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.

"KJ and Chloe have been outstanding all season, but to see them in Big Tens lead the way that they did, especially KJ at the top, she was tough all weekend," Healy added.

UW opens the home season at Goodman Diamond this weekend with three games against Nebraska. Fans shouldn't miss the offensive firepower of Jenkins, Miller and the rest of the squad. Freshman Kaitlyn Menz has also been dominating from inside the circle and now leads the conference with 14 wins.

It's going to be quite a spectacle to see!

University of Wisconsin Athletics

Goodman Diamond welcomes Badgers home

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