Everything Wisconsin softball fans must know ahead of NCAA Tournament

After finishing the year 32-19, the Wisconsin Badgers punched their ticket to the 2026 NCAA Tournament.

The Women's College World Series is as big as it gets, and it's been far too long since Yvette Healy's squad has been part of it.

Knowing this team upset Oregon and advanced to the Big Ten Tournament semi-finals, the sky is clearly the limit.

Healy has four full days to prepare for their opponent on Friday, May 15, Baylor.

Meet the first round Opponent: Baylor

The Bears sport a 28-26 record but are 0-2 all-time against the Badgers. Oddly enough, both of Wisconsin's wins over Baylor came via 2-1 victories.

Wisconsin is the No. 2 seed in the Austin Regional, which is hosted by the reigning SEC Champions, Texas.

Wisconsin is playing in the Austin Regional

It'll be the first time the Badgers have played in Austin, TX, since 2023. To this day, one of Wisconsin's best wins was on that day when they defeated No. 9 Alabama, 7-6.

On paper, 42-10 Texas shouldn't have a problem facing a Wagner team that finished the regular season four games under .500. Should Wisconsin get past Baylor, they'll set up a huge showdown with Texas on Saturday that will outline the rest of the bracket.

Double Elimination Format

The most important thing to remember about this regional is the fact that Wisconsin has to lose twice to be eliminated. Not only does that mean they have to lose twice, but that means they potentially have to beat Texas twice if they want to make it out of this quartet.