MADISON, Wis. -- After a 2017 season that culminated in the Wisconsin Softball team's sixth NCAA tournament appearance, there is a lot to be excited about when looking ahead to the 2018 season.
 
The Badgers begin their season on Feb. 9 at the Texas Classic and will play in five tournaments before returning to Goodman Diamond to open up Big Ten Conference play. Throughout the spring UW will face 13 2017 NCAA Tournament teams, including six in one weekend at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in Palm Springs, California.
 
In the beginning of the season, the coaches hope to find their dynamite lineup by mixing in the newer Badgers with the veterans to help them gain experience and confidence in their new roles. This is largely due to the impressive versatility many players possess.
 
Seniors Kelsey Jenkins and Brooke Wyderski will be the foundation of the Wisconsin lineup due to their ability to crush the ball and skill in the infield.
 
Who will be joining this dynamic duo in the infield is still to be decided as head coach Yvette Healy will be testing multiple combinations early on to see what clicks. Sophomore Jordan Little spent the 2017 season in right field but is a true infielder and could push for a spot up front. Freshman Lauren Foster could also push for a spot in the infield. Her tremendous athleticism has allowed the coaches to use her in multiple positions during fall and spring practice.
 
In the outfield the Badgers will showcase a lot of experience, range and speed. Juniors Gabby Scherle and Kelly Welsh have focused on improving their offense this offseason. Sophomores Heather Rudnicki and Sydney Lawson have also pushed to improve their batting and possess the speed necessary to be top-notch outfielders.
 
All-Big Ten Pitcher Kaitlyn Menz looks to lead the ship once again during her sophomore season. As a rookie, the Waukee, Iowa native notched 24 wins from the circle, threw six shutouts and was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year. Freshman Haley Hestekin is expected to provide great support and serve as the team's secondary starter with Mariah Watts and Angela Morrow poised to finish games off as closers.
 
Behind the plate, junior Melanie Cross will take over as the Badgers' primary catcher. When given a rest day, freshman Taylor Johnson may be looked upon to move from the infield to the catcher position due to her physicality and versatility.
 
Samantha Arents and Brianna Flugaur each offer the team special skills and senior leadership that will be needed throughout the season. Flugaur ranks among the speediest players in the Big Ten and can steal a lot of bases. In 2017, she ranked third in the conference with 21 stolen bases. Arents is one of Wisconsin's most powerful hitters and often shines as a pinch hitter or as the designated player.

Fans can follow the Softball team throughout the 2018 season on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and UWBadgers.com, as well as catch the Badgers live at any of their 15 home games.