Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team had a successful day against UW-River Falls in a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) doubleheader. The Blugolds won both games, finishing with scores of 10-0 and 11-3, respectively, at Bollinger Fields. The matches concluded in just five innings. This victory places UW-Eau Claire in third place in the WIAC standings with a record of 27-11 overall and 7-5 in the conference.

Lauren Trottier of Burlington, Wis., pitched a noteworthy complete game shutout in the first match, allowing the Falcons 19-19, 3-9 to only five hits and no walks while striking out three players. The team excelled offensively with a major highlight being a seven-run effort in the third inning, featuring a two-RBI triple by Norah Kutnink from Winneconne, Wis., and a three-RBI double by Molly Marquardt of Manhattan, Ill.

Five players from the Blugolds team, including Kutnink, Marquardt, Kenna Strunsee, Megan Patterson, and Miranda Gernander, each recorded multiple hits in the opening game.

In the second game, the Blugolds maintained their momentum, securing two four-run innings—one in the third and another in the fifth. Marquardt, along with Haley Hagedorn, hit RBI doubles in the third inning while Paige Lathrop contributed with a run-scoring double in the fourth. Marquardt's additional double in the fifth inning concluded the team's scoring display. Lathrop achieved three hits during the second game, and Marquardt added two more. Emma Sather was credited with the win after pitching 2.2 scoreless innings.

Looking ahead, the Blugolds will face No. 18 UW-Oshkosh on Sunday, May 4, in their final doubleheader of the regular season, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. in Oshkosh.

To stay updated on the team, individuals can visit Blugolds.com, the Blugold Sports app, or follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.