By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information
CLERMONT, Fla. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire softball team earned a split at Legends Way Ballfields on Thursday, falling 2-1 to Williams College but then only needing six innings to defeat Lawrence University, 9-1.
All of the scoring in the day's first contest came in the fourth inning, as the Ephs answered the Blugolds' lone run with two of their own in the bottom half. Eau Claire scored on a passed ball, while Williams College's difference maker came via a two-run home run off Sarah Peka (So.-Chanhassen, MN/Minnetonka). The Blugolds managed to produce only two ticks in the hit column, while Peka gave up just three to the Ephs.
Katelyn Yute (Fr.-North Prairie, WI/Kettle Moraine) had both Eau Claire hits in the loss, going 2-for-3 at the plate. She also scored the run on the passed ball in the fourth.
Game two on the day went much better for the blue and gold. Inflicting the mercy rule, the Blugolds had a walk-off of sorts, scoring four runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead to eight. They also put up two runs in the opening frame and three more in the fourth.
Katie Rongstad (So.-Slinger, WI) led the team in hits with three, and Yute added two more to the team total of eight. Jessica Heffel (Jr.-Racine, WI/Case) finished with a multi-hit game, too, from the nine-slot in the order. Rongstad also scored three runs and drove in two.
Stephanie Wilczynski (So.-Naperville, IL/Waubonsie Valley) threw a gem against Lawrence. The sophomore may not have recorded a single strikeout, but she did not have any walks either and gave up just the one run on two hits.
The Blugolds wrap up the PFX Games and their stay in Florida on Friday with a doubleheader against Calvin and D'Youville. They face the Knights at 8:00 a.m. CST and conclude with the Spartans at 10:30 a.m. CST.
Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.
