EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team faced off against the College of Saint Benedict in a doubleheader on Saturday, with the Blugolds falling 12-0 in the first game and bouncing back to secure a thrilling 12-11 extra innings victory in the second. Three Blugold rookies tallied their first collegiate home runs as
Breeley Gluch,
Chloe Ricard, and
Jane Wallace all saw the ball leave their bats and find the turf beyond the wall for the first time in a Blugold uniform.
In the first game, UWEC managed four hits but struggled defensively with four errors, while Saint Benedict recorded 13 hits, including two home runs. The Bennies took an early lead in the first inning with two unearned runs. In the fifth inning, Saint Benedict added to its lead with a solo homer, making the score 3-0. The sixth inning saw a surge from Saint Benedict, scoring nine runs. A three-run homer, and a single added two more, capitalizing on a Blugold fielding error. The inning concluded with additional RBI hits from CSB, extending the lead to 12-0. UW-Eau Claire was unable to score throughout the game, resulting in a final score of 12-0 in favor of Saint Benedict.
Lauren Trottier was assesed the loss and pitched 5 innings for UW-Eau Claire, allowing 6 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 2 batters. She walked 2 and gave up a home run, recording a WHIP of 1.60 in the outing. Trottier is now 1-1 on the season.
Lauren Heltemes and
Emma Sather also saw action, with Heltemes pitching 2/3 of an inning with 4 earned runs and Sather pitching 1/3 of an inning with 2 earned runs. Combined, Heltemes and Sather allowed 7 hits and 3 doubles, with both pitchers struggling to contain Saint Benedict's offense in their brief appearances.
Brooklyn Swanepoel recorded a hit and a walk, adding a stolen base to contribute offensively.
Siri Springer excelled defensively at third base with four assists.
Emma Raikowski posted an impressive 2.000 OPS, collecting a hit in her only at-bat.
Breann Blanchard added to the team's offense with a hit while reaching base during a scoring position scenario.
In the second game, UW-Eau Claire edged the College of Saint Benedict in a thrilling 12-11 extra innings victory. The Blugolds' offense was highlighted by four home runs, contributing to their 12-run performance.
The game began with the Blugolds quickly responding to Saint Benedict's two-run start in the first inning.
Paige Lathrop walked, and
Brooklyn Swanepoel singled, setting the stage for
Molly Marquardt's RBI single.
Bella Florio then pinch-ran and scored alongside Swanepoel on Claire. Beck's fielder's choice.
Jane Wallace walked, setting up
Breeley Gluch's three-run homer to right field, giving UW-Eau Claire a 5-2 lead.
Saint Benedict added a run in the second inning, bringing the score to 5-3. In the fourth inning,
Chloe Ricard homered to left center, extending the Blugolds' lead to 6-3. The fifth inning saw a scoring surge from both teams, with Saint Benedict scoring six runs, while UWEC responded with three unearned runs from Gluch's second three-run homer of the game, tying the score at 9-9.
CSB regained the lead in the sixth inning with a two-run homer, but UW-Eau Claire remained scoreless, bringing the score to 11-9. In the seventh inning, the Blugolds tied the game again.
Claire Beck singled, and
Hope Gilhooly pinch ran, scoring on
Jane Wallace's two-run homer, making it 11-11.
In the eighth inning,
Paige Lathrop was placed on second and advanced to third on Swanepoel's sacrifice bunt. Marquardt then doubled to drive in the winning run, securing a 12-11 victory for UW-Eau Claire.
Kasey Felden pitched 4 innings, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits while walking 4 batters and striking out 4. Felden faced 23 batters, throwing a total of 153 pitches, with 92 of them being strikes. The pitcher had a WHIP of 2.75 and managed to induce 7 fly ball outs. Despite the challenges, Felden completed 4 frames with 1 strikeout achieved in the fourth inning.
Breeley Gluch led the offense with six RBI's and two home runs, collecting three hits in total.
Jane Wallace contributed significantly by scoring three runs and driving in two RBIs, including a home run.
Molly Marquardt added to the scoring with two RBI's and a double, notching two hits.
Claire Beck pitched 3 2/3 innings, earning a win with three strikeouts, and also recorded a hit with an RBI at the plate. Beck is now 2-0 on the season.
The Blugolds have an overall record of 3-1. Saint Benedict holds a 2-2 record.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds are set to host Illinois Wesleyan University and Simpson College on Sunday, March 1 at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at Sonnentag Fieldhouse in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugolds.com or on our app, Blugold Sports, and on social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
