ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The UW-Stout softball team put up a strong fight in both games of Saturday's doubleheader against Washington University in St. Louis but ultimately came up short, dropping the first game 6-3 and the second game in a heartbreaking 8-7 loss.
Game One: Washington University 6, UW-Stout 3
The Blue Devils (2-6) found themselves in a defensive battle early, with neither team scoring in the opening inning. Washington University (7-2) broke through in the second, plating two runs. UW-Stout struggled to generate offense until the sixth inning when Stephanie Kuhn delivered a clutch two-RBI double to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The Bears responded with three runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend their lead to 6-2. The Blue Devils attempted a comeback in the seventh, scoring one run on a sacrifice fly from Stephanie Kuhn, but fell short as the Bears closed out the game. Anna Blanford (1-4) took the loss for UW-Stout, throwing a complete game with three strikeouts.
Game Two: Washington University 8, UW-Stout 7
In a game filled with momentum shifts, UW-Stout found itself in an early hole as Washington University exploded for six runs in the first inning. However, the Blue Devils responded with a resilient comeback, scoring two in the third and erupting for five runs in the fourth, highlighted by RBI hits from Stephanie Kuhn, Rayni Bresnahan, Liz Rohl, and Payton Dolecki, to take a 7-6 lead.
UW-Stout held onto the advantage until the bottom of the seventh when Washington University's Cendana delivered a walk-off RBI double to seal the win for the Bears. Samantha Bergeron (1-4) was charged with the loss despite a strong relief effort that saw her pitch 4.2 innings, allowing just one earned run.
Despite the losses, Stephanie Kuhn had a standout day at the plate, recording multiple RBIs in both games. The Blue Devils tallied 11 hits in each contest, showing offensive depth against a tough opponent.
Up Next
UW-Stout will look to bounce back as they travel to Elizabethtown, Kentucky, to participate in the Pioneer Classic. The Blue Devils will open the tournament on Saturday, March 15, against Franklin College.
