EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- The St. Catherine University softball team dropped a pair of non-conference games against the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Sunday afternoon. The Blugolds claimed game one 9-1 before taking game two 15-7, both finishing in five innings. St. Kate's falls to 11-7 overall and scheduled to open the Minnesota Intercollegaite Athletic Conference (MIAC) season this week. 

GAME ONE | Wis. Eau Claire 9, St. Catherine 1 (5 innings)
In the first game, the Wildcats struck early and grabbed momentum in the opening inning. Annie Cook reached on an error and later came around to score on an RBI double from Faith Bonse, giving St. Kate's a quick 1–0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as the opponent responded immediately and steadily built separation, including a big inning that put the game out of reach. Despite the early spark, St. Catherine was held to just a couple of hits and couldn't regain control, falling 9–1.

GAME TWO | Wis. Eau Claire 15, St. Catherine 7 (5 innings)
The second game followed a similar script, with the Wildcats generating early traffic but unable to convert. Cook again reached base to create an opportunity in the first inning, but a strikeout and flyout halted the rally before any damage was done. From there, St. Catherine struggled to string together offense, leaving runners stranded and searching for momentum throughout the game.

Next up for St. Kate's is the MIAC opener at Saint Mary's University in Winona. The conference match up against the No. 4 ranked Cardinals is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1.