Chippewa Valley Times

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's softball team secured a doubleheader sweep against St. Catherine University, winning 8-1 and 5-1 on Saturday at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse. These victories marked a significant milestone for Blugolds' head coach Leslie Huntington, who achieved 600 career wins.

In her 24th season, Huntington became only the second coach in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) history to reach this milestone. She is one of 27 active coaches in Division III with 600 wins and holds the record for most victories at UW-Eau Claire.

Huntington's career winning percentage stands at .644, placing her in the top 20 among active Division III coaches with 600-plus victories. She joins the ranks of former UW-Eau Claire coaches Lisa Herb, from volleyball, and Ken Anderson, from men's basketball, who have also achieved 600 wins.

The Blugolds, with a current record of 17-3, won both games against the Wildcats, now 7-11, with strong performances from their pitchers. Senior Claire Beck delivered a six-inning performance in the opening game, striking out six and allowing only one run. Beck's early RBI single provided the lead, followed by two additional runs in the second inning. The Wildcats managed a third-inning run but were held scoreless thereafter.

The Blugolds capitalized further with a triple from Brooklyn Swanepoel in the fourth and a squeeze bunt by Kenna Strunsee, adding insurance runs in the sixth inning with key hits from Megan Patterson and Strunsee.

Game 2 saw the Wildcats scoring a solitary run in the first inning before Jacie Schultz took control. Schultz completed the game with three strikeouts, allowing UW-Eau Claire to rally and secure the lead in their first inning. Despite the Wildcats' efforts, RBI contributions from Emmy Olson, Strunsee, and Paige Lathrop sealed the win for the Blugolds.

Strunsee's performance at the plate was noteworthy, as she collected five hits during the twin bill.

The Blugolds will play a home doubleheader against UW-Superior on Wednesday, April 2, at the Sonnentag Fieldhouse. Fans can keep up with the team through Blugolds.com, the Blugold Sports app, and on social media platforms.