vs. UW-Eau Claire - Box Score
vs. Denison - Box Score

TUCSON, Ariz. – After a 3-run third inning, the Edgewood College softball team had its eyes set on an season-opening upset win over nationally ranked and defending NCAA Division III national champion UW-Eau Claire, but the Blugolds responded and eventually pulled out the 5-3 win over the Eagles in Tucson on Sunday.

The Eagles (0-2) had no problem getting base runners on against the second-ranked team in the nation. In fact, they left at least one runner on in every inning but the seventh. Edgewood College's 3-run third inning came with a two out rally. After retiring the first two batters in the inning, UW-Eau Claire starting pitcher, Brooke Malnory, walked Colleen Joyce and then gave up a double to right center to Jamie Kurt. After a walk to Rachel Elliott to load the bases, Malnory was relieved by Kristi Doucette.

Doucette loaded the bases once more after plunking Jenna Ryan with a pitch and then gave up a 2-RBI double to Kristen Salvatore to make the score 3-0 Eagles. In the bottom half of the inning, the Blugolds came to life. The inning began with a walk, an error and a single to load the bases. UW-Eau Claire's Tamara Zeman then drove in the Blugold's first run with a sacrifice fly to left field. Nicki Brommelkamp then doubled to drive in two more and Sara Baumgartner singled to make the score 4-3 before the damage was done.

UW-Eau Claire would add one more in the fifth on a single by Zeman to make the final tally. The Eagles finished with three runs on four hits and two errors, while the Blugolds had five runs on five hits and no errors. Leslie Osman and Stephanie Schafer each recorded a hit as the Eagles dropped their season opener.

Edgewood College nearly climbed all the way back from a 9-0 deficit to Denison University (Ohio) later in the day, but couldn't get the tying run in from second base in the seventh inning and fell by a score of 9-8.

The Eagles play Central College (Iowa) and Mount Mary College on Monday beginning at 1:30 p.m. MST.