sports

Blugolds Sweep Blue Devils in Thrilling Softball Rivalry

UW-Eau Claire swept UW-Stout in a dramatic softball doubleheader, winning 9-6 and 10-9 in a highly competitive matchup between WIAC rivals.

The Blugolds held off a determined Stout team in both games of their doubleheader at Bollinger Field. UWEC trailed 3-0 in the nightcap before exploding for 10 runs in the fifth inning, though Stout fought back with six runs of their own in the sixth. The teams played a combined 5 1/2 hours in chilly 40-degree conditions.

The matchup highlights the intense rivalry between neighboring WIAC schools separated by just a 30-minute drive. UWEC coach Leslie Huntington has built a powerhouse program, while UW-Stout's young coach Lakyn Krizan has her team trending upward. The rivalry extends beyond softball to include basketball, football, and lacrosse, with added intrigue following Hannah Iverson's move from Stout to Eau Claire. tbzikra.com