Games postponed again

 

The UW-Eau Claire softball team was originally scheduled to face off against Luther College and the University of Northwestern-St. Paul on March 30-31 at Bollinger Field, according to Blugold Athletics.

In a news release on Tuesday, March 29, Blugold Athletics announced the softball teams’ home games on Wednesday and Thursday were postponed because of weather and field conditions, with no new date set.

The Blugolds were scheduled to play a doubleheader at home against Central College on Saturday, April 2, but Blugold Athletics announced the games would be moved to Sunday, April 3 on Central’s field in Pella, Iowa, citing weather.

Leslie Huntington, head softball coach, said she was watching the weather in Pella and ultimately Sunday’s game had to be postponed too. Huntington explained what goes into deciding to postpone games.

“There is a lot more that goes into these decisions than most people even realize, and we have to consider budget, missed class time and what’s in the best interest of our student-athletes with regard to their welfare,” Huntington said.

Sadie Erickson, third-year second baseman, said she was disappointed about the postponed games but the team was using the time off to practice for upcoming games.

The Blugolds return to action with a doubleheader against St. Norbert College on Tuesday.

 

Spring break trip takeaways

 

During UW-Eau Claire’s spring break, the softball team played a series of games in Clermont, Florida, according to Blugold Athletics.

The Blugolds lost to Hamilton College and won against Clarkson University on Friday, March 18, according to Blugold Athletics.

According to Blugold Athletics, the Blugolds beat Knox College and the University of Southern Maine, on Saturday, March 19.

Erickson said she was glad she got to experience the trip’s games and team bonding. According to Erickson, the team had to stay flexible when they were rained out and had to play three days in a row.

“Our team is very good at staying strong through everything and not ever giving up, and that definitely showed during that week,” Erickson said.

The Blugolds won against Williams College and St. Catherine University on Monday, March 21, according to Blugold Athletics.

Blugold Athletics reported the Blugolds beat Tufts University and had a tough loss to Hope College on Tuesday, March 22.

Third-year first baseman Megan Maruna said the team improved their teamwork and grew closer to each other.

“We learned to keep our composure when we may have been in a tough spot, and although there are always ways to improve, we are off to a very good start,” Maruna said.

The Blugolds lost to Grinnell College and beat Carleton College on Wednesday, March 23, according to Blugold Athletics.

On Friday, March 24, the Blugolds finished the week by defeating Allegheny College and Augustana College, according to Blugold Athletics.

Huntington said she was satisfied with the team’s first spring break trip in three years, and especially their pitching performance.

25% of the season was played during spring break, according to Huntington. She suggested supporters watch the team play in April before there are limited opportunities to catch a home game.

 

Athlete of the Week

 

On Tuesday, March 29, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference named Maruna as Kwik Trip Softball Athlete of the Week during spring break.

Maruna said she was excited to be Athlete of the Week, and spring break was a crazy week and she wasn’t able to truly reflect on her performance until back home in Wisconsin.

“I am proud about how I started the seam and I am ready to use this momentum to carry into the start of conference play,” Maruna said.

Maruna said the team has a cowboy hat that Athletes of the Week get to wear during practice. This is one of the team’s many fun traditions, according to Maruna.

Erickson said Maruna is one of her closest friends on the team and she was proud Maruna was named Athlete of the Week. Erickson also said Maruna played amazingly during the trip and is more than deserving of the title.

Huntington said she wouldn’t be surprised if Maruna is Athlete of the Week again this season.

“She is solid mentally at the plate and I have complete confidence in her, no matter what the situation is. She is a very smart player and understands what she needs to do at any given time,” Huntington said.

Kasper can be reached at [email protected].