UW-Eau Claire softball split a doubleheader with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh at Bollinger field on Saturday. The team rallied for a win in the second game— the program’s first win over UW-Oshkosh since 2022. 

In the first game, UW-Oshkosh beat the Blugolds 6-0. The second game resulted in the Blugolds winning with a score of 3-0. 

The Blugolds struggled offensively during the first game. They were held scoreless during the first game and they struggled to get on base. The team then responded with composure and execution as they rebounded to win the second game. 

The turning point was during the sixth inning when third-year infielder Norah Kutnink broke through offensively and hit a home run. 

First-year pitcher Kasey Felden delivered the defining performance of the day, according to Head Coach Leslie Huntington, tossing her first career complete game shutout against a traditionally strong lineup. 

Felden credited herself on how she approached the bullpen and her trust in her teammates which led to her success during the game. 

“I was just taking it one pitch at a time and focusing on hitting my spots,” Felden said. “In pressure moments I always just take deep breaths and I just turn around, look at my teammates, and know they got me.” 

Felden said the team’s communication was consistent as they supported one another and made smart decisions throughout the game. 

After her performance, Felden was awarded WIAC Kwik Trip Athlete of the Week as well as her teammate Paige Lathrop, a fourth-year outfielder.

Huntington said the response after losing the first game was the most encouraging takeaway.

“We got game two after losing one, and that’s what I want to see — how we respond,” Huntington said. “We kept fighting, never lost hope and believed we could do it.” 

Huntington said there was aggressive baserunning and improved execution from the Blugolds which were key adjustments in the second game, especially after the team struggled to get runners on base during the first game.

Fourth-year infielder Hailey Hagedorn also played a pivotal role, Hunnington said, as she acknowledged her leadership and readiness despite limited playing time. Hagedorn delivered a key pinch-hit RBI single late in the game which resulted in the team ending the second game in a victory. 

“She’s being a phenomenal teammate,” Huntington said. “To come in during that moment and deliver was huge for us.” 

Huntington said the victory could serve as a turning point for the Blugolds – which is aiming to climb the conference standings. 

“I think this shows we can do this,” Huntington said. “If we had anybody in the dugout today that wasn’t a believer, I think they’re believers now that we can do anything.” 

Huntington said that she enjoys coaching for this team and they have proved to her they are a unified team and after this game against Oshkosh, she believes the sky is the limit.

The Blugolds will continue with their momentum from the doubleheader finale win as conference play continues in the next coming weeks. 

Gerlach can be reached at [email protected].