Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team played a doubleheader against the University of Northwestern (Minn.) on Tuesday at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse. The Blugolds won the first game 7-4, but lost the second 2-1.

In the first game, UW-Eau Claire ended with a win streak of 13 games before it was broken by Northwestern in Game 2. The Blugolds made a strong start in Game 1, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first inning with contributions from Claire Beck, Megan Patterson, and Ella Henderson. Kenna Strunsee also stole home during this inning.

A two-run homer by Northwestern reduced UW-Eau Claire's lead to 4-3 in the top of the second inning. However, an RBI double from Molly Marquardt extended their lead to 5-3. The Eagles scored once more in the third inning, but Miranda Gernander sealed UW-Eau Claire's victory with a two-RBI single in the fourth inning.

Claire Beck earned a win for her performance as pitcher over five innings, allowing two runs and striking out two batters. Emma Sather contributed by pitching two scoreless relief innings.

In Game 2, Northwestern's early two-run advantage proved decisive. Although Henderson managed to bring in one run for UW-Eau Claire with a squeeze bunt in the second inning, Northwestern held them off for the remainder of the game. Despite getting into scoring position again in the sixth inning, UW-Eau Claire couldn't tie up or take back control of Game 2.

Jacie Schultz pitched throughout Game 2 and recorded five strikeouts despite taking a loss.

Paige Lathrop led offensively for UW-Eau Claire across both games with three hits total on Tuesday.

Looking ahead: On Saturday March 29th at noon; UW–Eau Clair will host St.Catherine at Sonnentag Fieldhouse.

###