Softball splits on day two of PFX Games

Softball splits on day two of PFX Games

By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information

CLERMONT, Fla. (blugolds.com) - The PFX Games continued on Saturday for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team. The Blugolds suffered a heartbreaking, walk-off loss against Transylvania before inflicting the eight-run mercy rule over MCLA.

Eau Claire had the Transylvania Pioneers down to their final out in Saturday's opener, leading 1-0. A hit batter with the bases loaded tied the game at one, before the Pioneers blasted a walk-off grand slam to take it, 5-1.

The Blugolds out-hit Transylvania seven to four in the loss. The lone run came via Carlie Christensen's (Sr.-Ellsworth, WI/River Falls) solo shot in the top of the second. Gretchen Arneson (So.-Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi) improved her batting average to .471 on the year with a pair of hits, one being a double.

The offensive output continued in terms of hits in game two, but this time, the runs came with it. Only needing four-and-a-half innings, the Blugolds topped MCLA, 8-0. Abbey Place (Fr.-Naperville, IL/Naperville Central) accounted for a third of the Blugolds' nine hits, going 3-for-3 with two runs driven in and scoring a pair. Katie Rongstad (So.-Slinger, WI) added a 2-for-3 performance with two runs scored from the leadoff spot as well.

Eau Claire scored twice in the first, piled on five runs in the second, and added one in the fourth. This would be more than enough for pitcher Stephanie Wilczynski (So.-Naperville, IL/Waubonsie Valley) whose near-flawless showing earned the sophomore her first win on the season. Wilczynski allowed a mere two hits, struck out six, and did not surrender any free passes across five innings of work.

Now with a record of 6-2 on the year, the Blugolds turn to their next set of opponents on Sunday, Babson and Allegheny (Pa.). Start times are set for 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (CST).

Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.