Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team began their season with a doubleheader against the College of Saint Benedict on Sunday at the Husky Dome in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Blugolds split the games, losing the first 7-6 but rallying to win the second 6-3 in extra innings.

In the first game, UW-Eau Claire started strong with three runs in the top of the first inning, highlighted by a two-run homer from Molly Marquardt. However, Saint Benedict responded with five runs over two innings to take control. The Blugolds fought back to lead briefly after scoring twice in the seventh inning, but Saint Benedict secured victory with a walk-off home run.

Game two saw Saint Benedict take an early lead again, but UW-Eau Claire tied it up in dramatic fashion late in the game. Miranda Gernander and Paige Lathrop provided crucial RBI singles to push the game into extra innings. In the eighth inning, UW-Eau Claire scored four times to seal their victory.

Jacie Schultz was instrumental for UW-Eau Claire in Game 2, pitching seven effective innings while allowing just four hits and striking out three batters.

Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will participate in the NFCA Leadoff Classic held in Columbus, Georgia. They are scheduled to play six games from February 28 through March 2.