The UW-Eau Claire softball team will be hosting the NCAA first round regional championship starting on Thursday.
The Blugolds, who received an at-large bid after being eliminated by UW-River Falls in the WIAC tournament Sunday, are the No. six seed. There are a total of eight teams participating in the tournament.
Eau Claire will play its first game against North Central (Ill.) today at 4 p.m. in game three of the tournament.
The Blugolds have been rewarded for their effort this season, racking up a slew of awards. Five members of the team were selected to the All-WIAC team.
Seniors Jill Janke, Casey Leisgang and Michelle Butkus received first team honors. Freshman pitcher Jenny Ross also made the team, after tallying a 19-2 record in 20 starts. She is currently first in the conference for wins and the only Blugold to be selected to the WIAC team.
The lefty also pitched a perfect game April 15 over UW-Oshkosh.
Leisgang has set a few records of her own. Her 35 career home runs are the most for any Blugold in the history of the program, as are her 53 hits this season.
She is first in the WIAC for on-base percentage and runs, and is tied for first with 26 walks.
Senior Tessa Pecha was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
Janke also received the Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete Award. She leads the team with 39 RBIs.
If Eau Claire wins the first game against North Central, the team will play again at 6 p.m. Friday. If the Blugolds lose the first round, they will play at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Day passes to watch the games today, Friday and Saturday are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students.
Day passes to watch the Sunday and Monday games are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for students.
A tournament pass is $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and $7 for students.