Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team began their season at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse with a commanding performance, sweeping St. Norbert College in two games on Saturday. The Blugolds won both games with shutouts, 10-0 and 8-0, marking their first victories at the new venue.

In the first game, the Blugolds' pitchers were effective in limiting St. Norbert's opportunities, allowing only one baserunner to reach second base. Claire Beck pitched three innings for the win, striking out two batters and giving up just three hits without any walks. Kira Schubert and Emma Sather contributed with scoreless innings in relief.

Offensively, UW-Eau Claire started strong by scoring twice in each of the first two innings before adding six more runs in the third inning. Emmy Olson hit a two-RBI single while Molly Marquardt contributed an RBI double.

Jacie Schultz led the Blugolds to victory in Game 2 with a complete game shutout. She allowed four hits and one walk over five innings while striking out six batters. The team took an early lead with two runs in the second inning and added seven more over the fourth and fifth innings to secure their win. Ana Kozlovsky's two-run homer was a highlight of Game 2, along with Emma Raikowski's two-RBI single.

Looking ahead, UW-Eau Claire will compete next at the Space Coast Games in Cocoa Beach, Florida starting March 19 against Rutgers-Newark and Western Connecticut State.

Fans can follow UW-Eau Claire's progress throughout the season on their official website or through various social media platforms.