Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team split a doubleheader against UW-Stout on Tuesday at Bollinger Fields. The first game ended in a 9-6 loss for the Blugolds, while they won the second game 15-1 in just five innings.

Originally scheduled to take place in Menomonie, the games were moved to Eau Claire. Despite this, UW-Stout (11-17, 2-4) acted as the home team in both matches. In Game 1, UW-Eau Claire (22-10, 4-4) was leading until the bottom of the fifth inning when UW-Stout scored five runs that secured their victory. Key hits included a two-RBI double that tied the game and a two-RBI single that gave the Blue Devils the decisive lead.

During the third inning, Hailey Hagedorn and Megan Patterson hit RBI doubles to position UW-Eau Claire at a 3-1 advantage. UW-Stout matched with two runs in the fourth inning to draw level. In the fifth inning, Molly Marquardt and Claire Beck's RBIs helped UW-Eau Claire regain a 5-3 lead before the Blue Devils' decisive subsequent scoring efforts. Although Hagedorn hit an RBI single in the seventh, it was not enough to alter the outcome.

In Game 2, the Blugolds responded effectively with Jacie Schultz pitching a complete four-hitter game, complemented by the team's 17 hits leading to a significant 15 runs. A significant portion of UW-Eau Claire’s scoring came from six runs in both the third and the fifth innings. Beck and Brooklyn Swanepoel hit two-RBI singles in the third inning, and Hagedorn’s two-run homer provided a highlight in the fourth inning. Beck also hit a grand slam during the fifth inning, marking an impressive show of offense.

Kenna Strunsee had a notable performance in Game 2, finishing 4-for-5, while Swanepoel added three hits. A total of six Blugold players had multi-hit games. Additionally, Schultz struck out five over her five innings on the mound.

The Blugolds will return to the field on Wednesday, April 23, as they host UW-Superior for another doubleheader at Bollinger Fields. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m.

For updates and information throughout the season, fans can follow the Blugolds at Blugolds.com, through the Blugold Sports app, and on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.