Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team concluded their final road trip of the regular season with a successful doubleheader against UW-River Falls. The games, part of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC), ended with two 1-0 victories for the Blugolds, who demonstrated strong defensive play and effective pitching.

In the first game, both teams remained scoreless for five innings. Jocelyn Hancock pitched four innings, allowing three hits and striking out three batters. Lauren Trottier took over in the fifth inning, retiring 10 of 12 batters while conceding only one hit and one walk. Molly Marquardt broke the deadlock in the sixth inning with a home run, her ninth of the season, tying her for the WIAC lead with Sophie Wery from UW-Oshkosh. This home run secured Trottier's fifth win of her rookie year.

The second game began positively for UW-Eau Claire as Paige Lathrop scored in the first inning following a single by Hailey Hagedorn. Jacie Schultz then led a strong defensive effort for seven innings, allowing just three hits and earning her sixth win of the season with her first complete game shutout this year.

Molly Marquardt was notable at bat during both games, achieving four hits out of six attempts, scoring once and hitting one home run.

The Blugolds now hold an 18-14 overall record and are 5-5 in WIAC play. They will finish their regular season on May 4 against UW-Oshkosh at Bollinger Fields during Alumnae Recognition Day.