SESKER: Rivalry games always compelling between UWEC, Stout
During the 15 months that I have covered sports for the Leader-Telegram, one of my favorite matchups has been between neighboring WIAC rivals. The short 30-minute drive between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout has produced its share of compelling matchups in numerous collegiate sports over the years. And Wednesday’s softball matchup between the Blugolds and the Blue Devils was no exception.
The teams scratched, clawed and battled for 5 1/2 hours in a highly competitive doubleheader in chilly 40-degree conditions. UWEC held off a determined Stout team 9-6 in the first game before a long, hard-fought battle followed in Game 2 at Bollinger Field. The Blugolds had a 10-run inning in the nightcap and nearly lost the game.
UW-Eau Claire trailed 3-0 entering the bottom of the fifth inning before scoring 10 times. But like so many times in this rivalry, UW-Stout fought back while scoring six times to make it 10-9 in the sixth inning. The Blugolds eventually held off the Blue Devils by that same margin to complete the sweep.
UW-Eau Claire players jumped in the air and cheered in celebration as the final out was recorded late Wednesday night in a spirited twinbill. It was a long, grueling day for the student-athletes, especially considering they were in class early Wednesday morning. Veteran Blugolds coach Leslie Huntington said her players arrived at the ballpark at 2 p.
m. Wednesday and they were still there about 15 minutes after the second game ended around 9:30. Huntington said one of her players, Molly Marquardt, took two tests Wednesday morning before joining her teammates at the ballpark for the doubleheader later in the day.