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.

UWEC is now 28-10 overall and has another excellent team under Huntington, who has built a powerhouse program over the years.

UW-Stout is trending in the right direction with a bright young coach in Lakyn Krizan, who is in her second season with the Blue Devils. Her team has played well against some very good teams.

It was another compelling chapter in the matchup of I-94 rivals. It has been enjoyable seeing these schools match up in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and lacrosse since I’ve been in Eau Claire.

It will be interesting to witness the next women’s basketball meeting between the schools after Hannah Iverson left UW-Stout to take over the program at UW-Eau Claire. Iverson took Stout to the Final Four in 2025.

I am definitely looking forward to the next time the Blugolds and Blue Devils face off in any sport. It is always interesting.

Here are a few more thoughts from the world of sports:

I love covering football and soccer at the new stadium at Eau Claire Memorial. I have covered numerous soccer games there now and it is an outstanding facility with an excellent turf field. Eau Claire North has a similar setup, and their facilities are top-notch as well.