EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (3-3) faced two tough opponents at the Blugold Softball Invitational on Sunday, narrowly losing to Illinois Wesleyan with a final score of 6-5 in extra innings, before falling 8-6 to Simpson College later in the day.
In the first game against Illinois Wesleyan, UW-Eau Claire's offense was highlighted by a three-run third inning, but Illinois Wesleyan responded with two decisive runs in the eighth to secure the win. Illinois Wesleyan took an early lead in the first inning, scoring two runs on a fielder's choice and a passed ball, making it 2-0 in favor of IWU.
UW-Eau Claire responded in the third inning.
Brooklyn Swanepoel walked and later scored on a throwing error following a bunt single by
Paige Lathrop.
Molly Marquardt then hit a two-run homer, bringing Lathrop home and giving the Blugolds a 3-2 lead after three innings.
In the fourth inning, both teams added a run. The Titans tied the game, scoring on a wild pitch. UW-Eau Claire regained the lead when
Brooklyn Swanepoel doubled and scored on
Molly Marquardt's sacrifice fly, putting the score at 4-3 in favor of UWEC.
Illinois Wesleyan tied the game again in the fifth inning on a fielder's choice, and the score remained 4-4 through five innings. The game remained tied until the eighth inning, where the Titans scored two runs, including a run scored on a groundout and another on a double. UW-Eau Claire managed to score once in the bottom of the eighth when
Emmy Olson, who was placed on second, scored on a single by Lathrop. However, they fell short, ending the game with a 6-5 loss to IWU.
Lauren Trottier pitched a complete game for UWEC, covering 7 innings with 87 pitches and allowing 5 hits, 3 earned runs, and 2 walks while striking out none. Trottier managed a steady pace with 57 strikes and a WHIP of 1.00, despite surrendering 2 doubles and a hit batter.
Emma Sather faced a challenging outing without recording an out, issuing a walk and throwing a wild pitch, resulting in 2 runs over 5 pitches.
Kasey Felden pitched a scoreless inning of relief, yielding 1 hit and a double while maintaining a WHIP of 1.00, throwing 10 strikes out of 14 pitches.
Paige Lathrop led the offense with three hits and two RBIs, contributing significantly to the team's scoring efforts.
Molly Marquardt recorded three hits, including a home run, and drove in three runs, showcasing their impact at the plate.
Brooklyn Swanepoel scored two runs and added a double, providing a spark in the lineup.
In the second game against Simpson College, UW-Eau Claire opened the game with a strong first inning, scoring first when
Paige Lathrop singled, and
Molly Marquardt doubled down the left field line, bringing Lathrop home. The inning ended with the Blugolds leading 1-0. The second inning saw UW-Eau Claire highlight their offense with a four-run effort, as
Marlee Smith hit a two-run homer, driving in
Siri Springer.
Brooklyn Swanepoel and
Paige Lathrop later added to the score, with Swanepoel scoring on an error and Lathrop scoring on
Claire Beck's single, extending the lead to 5-0.
The third inning saw the Blugolds add another run, with
Breeley Gluch scoring on a throwing error. However, Simpson responded with four runs, narrowing the lead to 6-4. Simpson tied the game in the fourth inning after a two-run homer, making the score 6-6. UW-Eau Claire did not score in its half of the inning.
Simpson took the lead in the fifth inning, scoring one run off an error, bringing the score to 7-6 in Simpson's favor. The seventh inning saw Simpson add one more run, closing the game with an 8-6 victory.
Kasey Felden made two appearances, pitching a total of 1 1/3 innings for UW-Eau Claire. Felden allowed just one hit and no earned runs, maintaining a WHIP of 1.00. The pitcher threw 16 pitches, with 9 of them being strikes, and induced two groundouts without issuing any walks. Felden also contributed defensively with two assists and caught one of two base-stealing attempts.
Paige Lathrop made a strong impact by scoring two runs and collecting three hits while adding two stolen bases.
Claire Beck contributed two hits and drove in two runs, providing offensive support with a pair of RBIs.
Marlee Smith delivered a home run and drove in two runs, also scoring once and stealing a base.
UWEC holds a record of 3-3 after the tournament. The next matchup for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire comes on Saturday, March 7, against Augsburg University at noon CT. The matchup will take place at Sonnentag Fieldhouse in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
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