Wisconsin Badgers
Georgia Tech
Around the Horn: Badgers prepare for ACC/Big Ten challenge
February 13, 2023 | Softball
Wisconsin heads south to Georgia
| Venue | Shirley Clements Newborn Field | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Live Statistics | Georgia Tech | Louisville | Georgia Tech | Louisville |
| Watch | ACC Network | Game 1 vs Georgia Tech | Game 2 vs Georgia Tech |
| Game Notes | Wisconsin |
| Social Media | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram |
MADISON, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin softball team will face another set of opportunities while matched up against impressive opponents at the ACC/Big 10 challenge this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.
Let's go around the horn of things you need to know before the weekend:
1.LAST TIME OUT: The Badgers finished their first tournament of the season 0-4, however, took away valuable lessons as the beginning of the season rust wears off. The team posted too close losses on the first day falling to CBU, 0-1, and BYU, 0-2. Badger bats began to wake up on Friday, Feb. 10 against No. 24 Oregon as Wisconsin had opportunities to take back control of the game, yet as the Ducks capitalized on defensive errors, the PAC-12 team remained victorious through seven innings of play. On the last day in Puerto Vallarta, Wisconsin struggled to catch up against No. 23 Ole Miss after the Rebels took a 6-0 lead after two innings.
2. ALL-STAR START: Two of Wisconsin's newcomers, Katie Keller and Paytn Monticelli, showed out in the first few matchups of the season. The grad transfer from NIU lived up to the hype that she earned in her first four years of collegiate ball, going 4-12 with a double leading to a .333 AVG and a .417 SLG%. The 2x Wisconsin Gatorade Player of the year also impressed in her 7.2 innings pitched. The freshman gave up just five hits, zero runs and accumulated eight strikeouts. Both of these players came up big when the team needed them, which led to the Puerto Vallarta College Challenge All-Tournament Team awards.
3. STELLAR SIRDASHNEY: Wisconsin's third baseman Skylar Sirdashney made play after play at the hot corner this past weekend. The junior had six putouts and ten assists over the four games in Mexico, including a diving catch that certainly should have been an ESPN Top 10 moment.
WHAT. A. STUD.
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) February 12, 2023
Hey #SCTop10, we have a web gem for you! Diving catch by @Skydash02 🤯#OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/Yl6Axk2HGc
4. SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS: While in Atlanta, the Badgers will face The University of Louisville and Georgia Tech over the course of three days. The Yellow Jackets will be the team's first opponent on Friday, Feb. 17 at 3:00 p.m. CT and then again Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Georgia Tech started out 2-2 at the Buzz Classic with the highlight being the one-hit complete game thrown by senior Chandler Dennis against Saint Francis. The two teams met just last year in the Regional round of the NCAA Tournament. GT squeaked by with a 2-1 victory to open the round, but the Badgers got their revenge with a 7-6 come-from-behind victory to move onto the Regional Final game.
The Cardinals have shined so far with a 4-1 record, including a top-25 win against No. 23 Missouri according to USA/NFCA Softball Preseason Poll. Grad student Taylor Roby currently leads the team with a .500 AVG and a 1.000 SLG% after going 6-for-12 with three doubles and a home run in her first five games. The all-time series between Wisconsin and Louisville is tied at four games each. The last time the two teams faced was in 2020.
5. UP NEXT: Following the ACC/Big 10 challenge will return home before heading to Boca Raton, Fla. for the Joan Joyce Classic. The Badgers will see four different opponents in the tropical location including UNC, Villanova, Boston College, and Florida Atlantic University.
