Around the Horn: Badgers open season in Paradise Classic

Friday, February 7

Boca Raton, FL

8 AM

Wisconsin Badgers

Ole Miss

Around the Horn: Badgers open season in Paradise Classic

February 05, 2025 | Softball

Wisconsin to play Ole Miss on Friday in opener

By: Jake Ross

Venue	Joan Joyce Field \| Boca Raton, FL
Live Stats	Ole Miss \| Kansas \| Georgia State (G1) \| Missouri State \| Georgia State (G2)
Watch ($)	FloSports
Game Notes	Wisconsin
Social Media	Twitter \| Facebook \| Instagram

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin softball team takes the field for the first time in 2025 this week, beginning the season at the Paradise Classic on Friday.

The tournament is hosted by FAU in Boca Raton, Florida. Wisconsin will play five games during the weekend, beginning with Ole Miss on Friday at 8 a.m. (CT).

Here's what you need to know before the season begins.

1. A LOOK BACK AT 2024 – The Badgers are coming off a 21-31 season, finishing last year with momentum. Despite being the No.11 seed, Wisconsin won two games in the Big Ten Tournament, before falling to Michigan in the semi-final, 6-4. Freshman Hilary Blomberg hit a home run in each game making the All-Big Ten Tournament team, the All-Big Ten Freshman team, and the All-Big Ten First team.

2. SENIOR STARPOWER – Returning for the Badgers in 2025 are eight seniors ready to make an impact. Brooke Kuffel and Molly Schlosser roam the outfield and have both come up with timely hits for UW in their careers. Emmy Wells and Eden Dempsey will fill in the backstop this season. Wisconsin-natives, Grace O'Brien and Ellie Hubbard play in the infield, with O'Brien a threat on the basepaths and Hubbard a consistent bat and fielder. Two grad students, Gabi Salo and Virginia Tech transfer Molly Jacobson, will lead the rotation - with both having successful seasons last year.

3. YOUNG TALENT – Wisconsin's roster is completely retooled, with a bunch of freshmen talent coming up this season. Four pitchers join the team - two right-handers in Mattie Beliveau and Kendra Lewis, as well as two southpaws in Gabby Fakes and Jordan Felchi. From Hartland, Wisconsin, Jaclyn Showalter will man the infield along with Kaylie Whidden and Hannah Conger - all three are right-handed hitters. The lone outfielder in the group is Emma King from League City, Texas. A lefty hitter, King provides plenty of range and speed on the field.

4. PARADISE CLASSIC – Wisconsin's trip to the Paradise Class consists of five games from February 7-9. The season begins on Friday with a double-header against No. 21 Ole Miss (8 a.m.) and Kansas (12:30 p.m.). Saturday's slate features games against Georgia State (12:30 p.m.) and Missouri State (2:45 p.m.). The Badgers will then conclude the tournament with a rematch against Georgia State on Sunday at 8 a.m.

5. PLAYERS TO WATCH – Three Badger players were selected to the Big Ten Softball Players to Watch list. Sophomore Hilary Blomberg adds another honor to her young career, after setting the program record for batting average last season, hitting at a .365 clip. Catcher Emmy Wells was the only player last season to start in all 52 games, producing 14 home runs in the process - the second most in school history. Transfer Molly Jacobson pitched only eight innings in 2024, but had a very successful season for Virginia Tech in 2023. She posted a 3.55 ERA in 51.1 innings, compiling a 7-2 record.