With conference play quickly approaching, the Badgers have put together an impressive 10-2 start that sets the tone for what could be a compelling season. This strong opening stretch has not only built momentum but also established Wisconsin as a team to look out for as conference games begin.
Maintaining this energy will make this team exciting to watch as the season unfolds. Several key players have fueled this early success, and they are names fans should keep on their radar.
Starting with sophomore Kendra Lewis, who has wasted no time establishing herself as one of the most dangerous bats in Wisconsin’s lineup: Through 34 at-bats, Lewis is hitting an impressive .412 with four doubles, continuing the offensive consistency that defined her freshman year.
Her early success comes as no surprise. In 2025, Lewis was named All-Big Ten First Team Honors, was named to the All-Big Ten All-Freshman Team, secured NFCA Great Lakes All-Region First Team recognition and was selected as an NFCA All-American Third Team honoree — a very long list of accolades for a first year player. She led the Badgers with a .408 average, primarily serving as a designated player and utility.
Lewis’ freshman year and hot start to 2026 is anchoring her in for another breakout year.
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Next, Alivia Bark, a junior from Iowa, is showing up for the Badgers’ offense. She has opened the season with a scorching .429 batting average in 35 at bats, drawing six walks and earning an impressive .500 on-base percentage.
Bark’s early success is no surprise after an amazing 2025 season in which she started all 54 games at first base and finished second on the team with 60 hits. She has shown she is a consistent part of the Badgers’ game.
Additionally, one of two seniors on the roster, Emily Bojan, brings both experience and power. Bojan has opened the season with an impressive .710 slugging percentage, a statistic that measures total bases per at-bat and reflects a hitter’s power production. With four doubles and four home runs in the books, Bojan is making her senior presence known early.
Now in her final season, Bojan’s combination of power and on-base ability gives Wisconsin a steady veteran bat as conference play approaches.
Switching to the circle, freshman Berritt Herr from Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin has had the honor of pitching the most innings pitched, and she’s already notched four wins this season, showing poise well beyond her freshman status.
One of her standout performances was during the Iowa State game Feb. 13, where she threw a complete seven-inning game, striking out four while allowing only five hits and a single run past home plate.
Herr’s combination of stamina and command makes her a pitcher to watch as Wisconsin enters conference play, and she is poised to be a key factor in the Badgers’ pitching rotation.
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We can’t forget about Danielle Lucey owning the outfield. Known for her trustworthy defense, Lucey earned a spot on the 2025 All-Big Ten All-Defensive Team, finishing the season with a near perfect .990 fielding percentage.
Her contributions aren’t limited to defense. The speedy outfielder has also gotten off to a hot start at the plate in 2026, hitting .421 with a stolen base and two triples — a rare combination of power and speed. Lucey’s ability to turn hits into extra bases and create pressure on the opposing defenses makes her a dynamic presence both in the field and on the bases.
Another name that deserves attention is junior third baseman and catcher Hilary Blomberg. She has opened the season with a strong .378 batting average to go along with three home runs, providing steady production. A 2025 All-Big Ten Second Team selection, Blomberg continues to prove why she is one of the Badgers’ most reliable contributors.
Fans should also keep an eye on redshirt freshman Jaclyn Showalter, who is ready to make her mark this season. Showalter has wasted no time showcasing her power, already tallying four doubles and four home runs. Her early success adds even more to Wisconsin’s lineup and makes her an exciting player to watch as the season unfolds.
Wisconsin is showing a lot of promise to be a strong team with a lot of depth. Multiple Badgers are supplying the team through every part of the lineup. There is a lot of emerging talent, giving the Badgers a competitive edge.
Because of this, the Wisconsin Badgers are off to a fantastic start this season. Their combination of offensive power, defensive reliability and strong pitching coming from multiple players sets an exciting tone as the team heads into conference play.
Fans have plenty to look forward to, starting with the Badgers’ first conference matchup against UCLA in California March 6. If this early momentum continues, Wisconsin has the potential to make a big statement in the Big Ten this season.
