After a 4-1 week on the road, University of Wisconsin softball is coming back to Goodman Diamond this weekend to take on the University of Illinois. The series will be the first in an eight-game homestretch to end the Badgers’ season before the Big Ten tournament in May.

The Badgers (23-17-1, 8-5-1 Big Ten) are trying to win key games to ensure a spot in the tournament. That makes these three games against Illinois (26-18, 5-9 Big Ten) crucial for Wisconsin, and any mistakes could have big consequences later on.

Last time out

The Badgers are moving up after last week, which featured a win against rivals University of Minnesota Twin Cities and University of Iowa. With four wins on the weekend, the Badgers moved up six spots in the NCAA ranking, going from No. 73 to No. 67.

There is no doubt that if the Badgers keep having weeks like this, they will find themselves ranked even higher nationally.

Softball: Yvette Healy talks team’s impressive week on road, importance of seniors

Keys to Success

As the season comes to a close, it is key that the Badgers keep focusing on the game at hand. It is crucial that they continue to perform with the same high-caliber play they have been playing with in the last few weeks.

As long as Wisconsin keeps its momentum going, and keeps errors down, they should find themselves victorious against a team like Illinois. All the Badgers need is a few more conference wins to secure their spot in the Big Ten tournament.

Player to Watch: Annie Fleming

Illinois’ number one batter for the season is Fleming, who is currently leading her team with a .352 batting average. Fleming, who is a designated player for Illinois, is going to be a challenge for Taylor-Paige Stewart and the Badger defense to keep points off the board.

If the Badgers want to come out of this weekend with a win, they need to keep Fleming at bay. If they manage to do that, they will be saying “Bye Bye Bye” to Illinois come Sunday afternoon.

It might sound crazy but it ain't no lie…. @Macy_Oswald rocked the #Buckinghams … Baby bye bye bye. #Badgers https://t.co/dsSF4bPzB0

— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) April 20, 2016