Around the Horn: UW back in Florida for FGCU Invitational

Friday, February 14

Fort Myers, FL

10 AM

Wisconsin Badgers

Omaha

The Softball teams huddles against Ole Miss at Paradise Classic

Photo by: Ashley Steltenpohl

Around the Horn: UW back in Florida for FGCU Invitational

February 12, 2025 | Softball

Badgers begin tournament on Friday against Omaha

By: Jake Ross

Venue	FGCU Softball Complex \| Fort Myers, FL
Live Stats	Omaha \| FGCU (G1) \| Seton Hall (G1) \| FGCU (G2) \| Seton Hall (G2)
Game Notes	Wisconsin
Social Media	Twitter \| Facebook \| Instagram

MADISON, Wis. – After a successful opening weekend at the Paradise Classic, the Wisconsin softball team (4-1) returns to Florida on Friday- this time for the FGCU Invitational.

The tournament is hosted by Florida Gulf Coast in Fort Myers, Florida. Wisconsin will play five games during the weekend, beginning with Omaha on Friday at 10 a.m. (CT).

Here's what you need to know before the invitational.

1. PARADISE CLASSIC RECAP – The Badgers finished the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Florida with a 4-1 record. After dropping their season opener to RV Ole Miss, 7-1, the team won their last four games of the Paradise Classic to match their longest win streak since April of 2023. These included wins over Kansas (6-3), Georgia State (4-2), Missouri State (3-1), and Georgia State again (2-0).

2. LATE INNING HEROICS – Multiple wins during the Badger's run came in dramatic fashion. Down 3-1 to Kansas in the sixth inning, senior Eden Dempsey came in as a pinch hitter with the bases loaded. She then hit a go-ahead grand slam to lead the Badgers to a 6-3 win. In the next game against Missouri State, it was Danielle Lucey who played hero. Not only did she put the Badgers on the board with her first career home run, but she also made an amazing diving catch in center to prevent the go-ahead runner from scoring from third. Right after, in the sixth inning, Brooke Kuffel hit a two-RBI go-ahead single, leading the Badgers to a 3-1 victory.

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3. SUPERB STAFF – The Badger's pitching staff was one of the primary reasons for the team's success this weekend. Gabi Salo not only pitched a three-hit shutout to beat Georgia State, but in three appearances over the weekend, the grad pitched 12.0 innings without allowing a run, and struck out 14 batters. Transfer Molly Jacobson collected her first two career saves, while earning a win in a start against Missouri State. In her second career start, freshman Kendra Lewis earned her first victory over Georgia State with a 6.0 inning, six strikeout performance, allowing just two earned runs.

4. LIVIN' LIKE LIV – Of all the Wisconsin hitters, sophomore Alivia Bark enjoyed the most success at the Paradise Classic. After hitting .279 as a freshman last season, Bark started off her second year hot, collecting at least one hit in each game of the tournament. She finished the weekend 8-for-14 with three walks to just two strikeouts. The Iowa-native also went 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts. Her five game hitting streak is now the longest of her career.

5. FGCU INVITATIONAL – 150 miles away from Boca Raton is Fort Myers, the site of Wisconsin's next tournament. The FGCU Invitational is hosted by Florida Gulf Coast, and consists of five games over Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A double-header against Omaha (10 a.m.) and Florida Gulf Coast (3:00 p.m.) kicks things off on Friday. On Saturday, the Badgers face Seton Hall (10 a.m.) and Florida Gulf Coast again (3 p.m.). Sunday completes the tournament with a game a rematch against Seton Hall at 8 a.m..