UW-Eau Claire softball split a double header on Saturday, April 25 against UW-La Crosse, taking the opener 8-7 before falling 6-5 in the second game.

During game one, the Blugolds rebounded from a previous loss against UW-Platteville.

“We wanted two,” Head Coach Leslie Huntinton said. “Winning one game versus losing both is obviously better, but we really wanted the sweep, and we just came up a little short in game two.”

The first game featured strong offense from the Blugolds, highlighted by a standout performance from first-year infielder Breely Gluch, who hit two home runs. The Blugolds held off a late push from UW-La Crosse to secure the one-run victory.

“I think we did a good job on offense again,” Huntington said. “We put the ball in play. Gluch had a great day. It was fun to watch her hit the ball so well.”

Despite the win, Huntington said defensive lapses allowed the Eagles to rally late and catch up to the Blugolds.

“We had a five-run lead late in the first game and ended up only winning by one,” Huntington said. “[UW-La Crosse] definitely gained momentum late, but we were able to hold them off.”

Fourth-year second baseman Emma Raikowski said the team’s offensive success in the opener was notable.

“I think the first game, our bats were really hot,” Raikowski said. “[Gluch], her contribution was absolutely phenomenal, especially with her being a freshman.”

During the second game, the Blugolds started with a lead, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. UW-La Crosse responded immediately with four runs of their own in the bottom half of the inning.

“It was a little back-and-forth,” Huntington said. “We had a ton of momentum, but then we [gave] four runs right back. Ultimately, we just couldn’t do enough to win game two.”

Pitching was a bright spot for the Blugolds, particularly second-year pitcher Megan Standiford, who Huntington said pitched really well. She had three strikeouts. 

Raikowski also said Standiford’s pitching went well, as she noted her potential from that performance moving forward. 

“[Standiford’s] a great player in the making,” Rakowski said. “I think she’s going to do some really awesome things for us going forward.”

Raikowski contributed at the plate during the first game, as she recorded key hits and helped drive in three runs. 

“I think I really contributed to the team, especially at the plate, which I haven’t done as much this season,” Raikowski said. “It feels good to finally be able to support the team on the field, especially later in the season.”

Huntington said she praised Raikowski’s leadership and impact, particularly as a fourth-year athlete.

”[Raikowski’s] a gritty [fourth year] for us,” Huntington said. “She’s done nothing but support the team all season long, and to see her having success now — everybody’s cheering for her.”

Both Huntington and Raikowski said the team chemistry and adaptability are key strengths for the program. The Blugolds have adjusted their lineup in recent weeks due to injuries and performance fluctuations. 

Huntington said UW-La Crosse is a “well-rounded team” that entered the doubleheader with confidence. According to Huntington, the Eagles have beat nationally-ranked St. Mary’s softball.

“[The Eagles] were confident; they were full of energy,” Huntington said. “They didn’t really make mistakes against us.”

With the regular season coming to an end, Huntington said the Blugolds must remain focused on what is to come for the postseason.

”We’re in a pretty good position,” Huntington said. “We just have to play well [and] take care of business. We really need to win four games, and if we can do that, I think we put ourselves in a pretty good position for [the] postseason.”

The Blugolds look to build on their momentum for upcoming conference matchups as they enter the final stretch of the season with four games left. 

Gerlach can be reached at [email protected].