UW-Eau Claire softball swept UW-Stout in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 29. The victory was highlighted by a close game comeback in the second game.
The Blugolds were able to secure the pair of wins by leaning on consistent hitting and team chemistry, though late-game lapses kept both games close.
During game one, the Blugolds set the tone early by chasing the Blue Devils starting pitcher Sarah Wilkins out of the game in the third inning and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, Head Coach Leslie Huntington said.
“I think the really positive thing that came out of it is we faced a really good pitcher,” Huntington said. “We did a good job of hitting her and chased her out of the game.”
Huntington said second-year pitcher Megan Standiford delivered an impressive performance in her first collegiate start.
In the second game, the Blugolds fell behind 3-0 during the first four innings as they struggled offensively. The Blugolds then scored 10 runs in the fifth inning and gained control of the game. The rally showcased the team’s ability to respond under pressure.
Fourth-year outfielder Paige Lathrop said the turning point came from a collective team reset.
“It was a matter of just coming together, really getting the energy going again,” Lathrop said. “That’s when we had 10 [runs] in the bottom of the fifth.”
Despite the offensive explosion from the Blugolds, the Blue Devils responded quickly, scoring six runs in the sixth inning as they caught up to the Blugolds with a final score of 10-9.
Huntington said there is a recurring issue of allowing opponents back into the game.
“We just have to finish games,” Huntington said. “Continuing to let opponents back in games has been our Achilles’ heel.”
Huntington said the Blue Devils’ persistence reflected a familiar identity.
“They’re scrappy. They play to win; they play hard. They’re never out of the game,” Huntington said.
Several Blugolds contributed key moments throughout the doubleheader. Third-year infielder Siri Springer delivered a clutch hit during the fifth inning rally in the second game, tying the game and shifting momentum.
”That was needed and huge,” Springer said. “I’m proud about that.”
First-year infielder Breeley Gluch, recently named Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Kwik Trip Player of The Week, contributed to the plate and at-bats, drawing multiple walks and helping fuel offensive pressure.
“Our offense did really well, producing at the plate, even when [we were] behind,” Gluch said.
While the offense stood out, the three players said communication and team chemistry was crucial to the sweep. The
Blugolds maintained energy in both the field and dugout, which Springer said was critical.
“We were super loud; [we] stayed loud [during] the game,” Springer said. “It [was] huge for those wins.”
Lathrop also said the team’s close relationship contributed to Wednesday’s performance.
”We all love each other, and it’s really easy to communicate when we have such a good relationship,” Lathrop said.
The doubleheader tested the players’ stamina as Huntington said the demands of balancing academics and athletics stand out during long game days.
“You can’t simulate this in practice. To think they can stay focused for that long — it’s a challenge,” Huntington said. “We had players with two exams this morning and then came here at two o’clock this afternoon. It’s a full-time job in addition to what they’re doing as students.”
Still, the Bllugolds found ways to respond in critical moments. In the final inning of the second game, the Blugolds settled defensively and closed out the win, preserving the sweep.
“We just have to be sharper late,” Huntington said.
Looking ahead, the team aims to maintain its offensive consistency while improving late-game execution.
The Blugolds made it to the WIAC tournament where they will next play on May 8 against UW-Steven’s Point at noon and UW-Whitewater at 2:30 p.m.
Gerlach can be reached at [email protected].
