Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team split a doubleheader with No. 25 UW-Stevens Point in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on Saturday. The games were played at the Rapids Area Sports Complex in Wisconsin Rapids.

In the first game, UW-Eau Claire overcame a two-run deficit to secure a 7-6 victory. After UW-Stevens Point led 3-1 after two innings, Molly Marquardt hit a two-run homer in the third inning to tie the game. Hailey Hagedorn then hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, giving the Blugolds the lead. Additional runs were added in the seventh inning with an RBI single from Haylie Schmidt and a two-RBI double by Norah Kutnink. Despite a late three-run effort by the Pointers in the bottom of the seventh, Emma Sather finished the game to earn the save for the Blugolds.

The victory in the first game was credited to Claire Beck, who pitched 6.2 innings and recorded three strikeouts. Notable performances included two hits each from Marquardt, Hagedorn, and Paige Lathrop.

In the second game, the Blugolds were limited to three hits. Although they managed to get runners into scoring position twice, they were unable to capitalize on these opportunities. The Pointers scored two runs in the fourth inning and another two in the sixth to secure a 4-0 victory.

Jacie Schultz pitched a complete game for UW-Eau Claire in the second match, allowing only two earned runs.

Looking ahead, the Blugolds will continue their conference games with a doubleheader against UW-La Crosse on April 16 at Bollinger Fields. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

For ongoing updates on Blugolds softball, fans can visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.