Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team achieved a milestone by splitting a doubleheader with the 20th-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Saturday. The Blugolds managed a 3-0 victory in the second game after a 4-1 loss in the first, marking their first win at Whitewater since 2015 and ending a 14-game losing streak against the Warhawks. The win was also the Blugolds' first over UW-Whitewater since 2018.

In Game 1, UW-Whitewater scored all its runs in the first three innings. The Warhawks began with a hit by pitch with loaded bases, followed by run-scoring singles in subsequent innings. An error added another run in the third inning. UW-Eau Claire's sole run came from a sacrifice fly by Hailey Hagedorn.

Game 2 saw a change in fortune for the Blugolds, with Jacie Schultz delivering a complete game shutout. Schultz's performance limited the Warhawks to six hits, striking out two and walking one. The Blugolds broke the deadlock in the fifth inning, with an RBI double from Molly Marquardt and an RBI single from Claire Beck, and Marquardt extended the lead with a solo homer in the seventh inning.

Claire Beck contributed to the win by going 3-for-4, while Marquardt finished 2-for-4. Norah Kutnink added two hits in each game. The Blugolds' next match is a doubleheader against UW-Stout, scheduled for Tuesday, April 22 in Menomonie. Fans can follow the team throughout the season on their official website, app, and social media platforms.