RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire secured a 5-3 victory followed by a decisive 6-0 win over the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Wednesday. In the first game, the Blugolds capitalized on a strong second inning, scoring four runs to establish an early lead. In the second game, the Blugold defense stood tall with their second WIAC shutout of the season.
The Blugolds responded to an early deficit by scoring four runs in the second inning of game 1.
Norah Kutnink started the rally by getting hit by a pitch, followed by a key double from
Siri Springer.
Breeley Gluch then singled, driving in Kutnink.
Chloe Ricard added another RBI single, scoring Springer.
Brooklyn Swanepoel reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Gluch to score, and
Paige Lathrop capped the inning with a double that brought in Swanepoel. This surge put UW-Eau Claire ahead 4–2 after two innings.
In the fourth inning, the Blugolds extended their lead when
Bella Florio, running for Ricard, scored on a sacrifice fly by Lathrop, bringing the score to 5–3. The game proceeded without further scoring, and UWEC maintained its lead through strong defensive play and effective pitching, ending with a final score of UW-Eau Claire 5, UW-River Falls 3.
Claire Beck started on the mound for the Blugolds, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing three hits and two runs, one of which was earned. She issued three walks and hit one batter, throwing a total of 52 pitches with 25 strikes.
Lauren Trottier came in as a relief, pitching 4 2/3 innings and conceding only one earned run on three hits, improving her record to 8-1.
Paige Lathrop delivered a crucial performance with two RBIs, including a double.
Breeley Gluch added a multi-hit game, finishing with two hits, one RBI, and a stolen base.
Chloe Ricard contributed with two hits and one RBI, helping to sustain the offense.
Brooklyn Swanepoel scored a run and recorded one hit and one RBI, rounding out a solid team effort.
In game 2, the Blugolds opened the scoring in the first inning.
Paige Lathrop singled through the right side, and after
Jane Wallace was hit by a pitch,
Claire Beck singled to load the bases.
Siri Springer reached on a fielder's choice, allowing Lathrop to score, concluding the inning with the Blugolds leading 1-0.
After a quiet stretch, UWEC exploded in the seventh inning.
Hailey Hagedorn, pinch hitting for
Marlee Smith, doubled to right center. Lathrop followed with a single, advancing Hagedorn to third.
Norah Kutnink then singled through the right side, scoring Hagedorn and Lathrop. Beck's single positioned runners for Springer, who hit a three-run homer to left center. The inning ended with the Blugolds firmly ahead 6-0, securing a final score of UW-Eau Claire 6, UW-River Falls 0.
Kasey Felden delivered a commanding performance for UWEC, pitching her second consecutive complete game over 7 innings without allowing a run; earned or unearned. Felden conceded only 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5 batters, showcasing control and efficiency with 82 strikes out of 111 pitches. This victory improved her season record to 6-2, highlighting her consistency on the mound.
Paige Lathrop contributed three hits and scored two runs in the game.
Siri Springer made a significant impact by hitting a home run and recording four RBIs.
Norah Kutnink added a hit and drove in two runs while also drawing a walk.
The Blugolds hold a record of 23-7 overall and stand at 3-1 in the WIAC. UW-River Falls has a record of 7-19 and is 0-3 in the WIAC.
Looking ahead, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire will face the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m. CT. The game will take place at the Softball Complex in Platteville, Wisconsin.
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