The Wisconsin softball team’s journey through the postseason came to a close in Texas, as the Badgers season concludes in Austin following a 5-2 loss to Baylor. The defeat marks the end of a 33-21 campaign for a squad that battled through the Austin Regional, ultimately exiting the tournament after three games on the road.
Despite the result, the finale was punctuated by a historic individual achievement. Junior Hilary Blomberg etched her name into the program’s record books, launching a solo home run to deep left field that provided Wisconsin’s first run of the game. The blast was Blomberg’s 16th of the year, officially surpassing the previous single-season program record of 15 set by Kayla Konwent in 2019.
The game remained a steep climb for the Badgers from the opening frame. Baylor established early dominance with a four-run first inning, utilizing aggressive baserunning to create chaos and put Wisconsin on its heels. After a quieter previous outing, the Bears found their rhythm, racking up 10 hits to secure their first-ever victory over the Badgers, who had previously held a 3-0 advantage in the series.
A Record-Breaking Performance Amidst the Loss
While the scoreboard favored the Bears, the narrative of the afternoon was dominated by Blomberg’s power surge. The Verona, Wisconsin native didn’t just break the home run record; she solidified her status as one of the most consistent offensive threats in program history. By going 2-for-4 in the finale, Blomberg recorded her 22nd multi-hit game of the season.
This mark ties her with Konwent for the second-most multi-hit games in a single season. Blomberg now carries 35 career home runs into the offseason, steadily closing the gap on Konwent’s career gold standard of 43. Her 52 career multi-hit games now tie her with Amanda Berg (1996-97, 99-00) for seventh place on the all-time list, according to Wisconsin Athletics official records.
The offensive effort was bolstered by sophomore Kendra Lewis, who reached a significant career milestone during the fourth inning. Lewis launched her seventh home run of the season, a swing that also marked her 100th career hit. Finishing the day 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and an RBI, Lewis provided a glimpse of the veteran leadership the Badgers will rely on moving forward.
Statistical Breakdown: Key Milestones
The conclusion of the season provides a clear look at the individual benchmarks achieved by the team’s core players during the 2024 stretch.
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| Player | Achievement | Stat/Record | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilary Blomberg | Single-Season HRs | 16 | New Program Record |
| Hilary Blomberg | Multi-Hit Games (Season) | 22 | Tied for 2nd All-Time |
| Kendra Lewis | Career Hits | 100 | Career Milestone |
| Kendra Lewis | Season Home Runs | 7 | Season Total |
Analyzing the Regional Exit
The loss to Baylor was a tactical struggle for Wisconsin, which struggled to contain the Bears’ momentum after the first inning. Baylor added another run in the second, extending the lead to 5-1 before Lewis’s fourth-inning blast could narrow the gap. From that point forward, the Badgers were unable to mount a sustained rally, as Baylor’s pitching and defense shut the door to punch their ticket to the Austin Regional Final.
This exit brings Wisconsin’s overall NCAA Tournament record to 14-20. The program’s history in the postseason has been a climb of gradual progress, and this year marked the 10th-ever appearance for the Badgers in the NCAA Division I Softball Tournament. The loss also shifted the team’s record against Big 12 opponents in the tournament to 2-3.
The 33-21 overall record reflects a season of resilience, though the inability to find offensive consistency in the final games in Texas proved decisive. The contrast between the early-season dominance and the regional struggle highlights the razor-thin margins of postseason play, where a single chaotic inning—like Baylor’s first—can dictate the trajectory of the entire game.
The Path Forward for the Badgers
As the team returns to Madison, the focus shifts toward the development of a core that has already proven it can compete at a national level. With Blomberg and Lewis remaining central figures in the lineup, the program possesses a foundation of power and experience that is rare in collegiate athletics.
The pursuit of the career home run record will likely be a primary storyline for Blomberg next season. With eight home runs separating her from Konwent’s career mark of 43, the junior is well-positioned to challenge the record as she enters her final year of eligibility.
The Wisconsin athletic department will now begin the cycle of recruiting and off-season conditioning to address the gaps exposed during the Austin Regional. The goal remains clear: converting regional appearances into deeper runs toward the Women’s College World Series.
Official updates regarding the 2025 schedule and off-season training programs will be posted via the Wisconsin Badgers official portal as the winter break concludes.
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