LOCAL COLLEGES: Blugolds earn spot in WIAC playoffs for first time since 1995

RIVER FALLS — The UW-Eau Claire baseball team split a doubleheader against UW-River Falls on Saturday.

The Blugolds suffered a 21-9 loss in the first game before earning a 20-11 win in the second game.

UWEC capped its best regular season since the program returned. The Blugolds are set to play in their first WIAC playoffs since 1995, and will be the third seed.

The Blugolds are 21-19 overall and 14-14 in WIAC play. River Falls is 20-19, 13-15.

Logan Hesselman led UW-Eau Claire with two home runs in the first game. He drove in two runs and scored four times on three hits.

In the second game, the Blugolds seized control in the second inning with a seven-run outburst, highlighted by Diego Caicedo’s three-run homer to left center.

Brayton Thillman’s two-run homer in the ninth sealed the decisive victory.

Sebastian De La Toba started for UW-Eau Claire, pitching two innings and allowing five earned runs.

Aaron Skrypek took over on the mound, delivering seven innings with five strikeouts.

Caicedo hit two home runs, driving in five runs and crossing the plate three times.

Calvin Gilbertson added a home run and four RBIs.

The Blugolds will head to Whitewater on Thursday to begin WIAC Playoffs with a matchup against UW-La Crosse.

TRACK AND FIELD

UWEC records top 3 finishes at WIAC meet

LA CROSSE — UW-Eau Claire’s men and women secured multiple top-three finishes at the WIAC Outdoor Championships. The men’s program finished third and the women’s program finished second.

The women claimed a number of high finishes in the meet.

Bella Hooker claimed first place in the 800 meters. Allyson Kakes secured second place in the 100 and 200. Kylee Grabarski finished second in the 400.

Kayla Behnke won the hammer throw and took second in the discus. Amaria Kejo finished second in the shot put.

Keeley Behr earned second place in the 10,000 meters. Lauren Dimler took second place in the 400 hurdles while Michaela Dick followed in third.

Britt Fitzgerald placed second in the Heptathlon with a total of 4406 points. Catie Hook finished third with 4382 points.

The Blugold men’s team also had a strong showing.

Blake Postler won the men’s 400 hurdles. He also placed second in the 110 hurdles.

In the discus, Gage Stankiewicz achieved third place. Adam Beck secured fifth in the hammer throw.

Reilly Templeton was fourth in the 200 meters.

UWEC added a win in the men’s 4x400 relay.