MENOMONIE, Wis. – The UW-River Falls softball team split a WIAC doubleheader at UW-Stout on Tuesday evening, dropping game one 9-1 before rallying with a convincing 6-1 win in game two.

Game One – UW-Stout 9, UW-River Falls 1

The Falcons were unable to recover from an early deficit as UW-Stout drove in five the opening inning and never had to look back. The Falcons ended the first game with just five hits, although highlighted by doubles from Caitlyn Kressel and Alexa Dusterhoft. Lacie Lilyquist drove in the Falcons' lone run in the third inning, bringing home Kressel to make it 5-1 at the time. 

Despite scattered hits throughout the game, the Falcons were pretty limited at the plate, striking out 10 times against Stout's Sarah Wilkins. The Blue Devils added runs in the fourth and sixth innings to secure the victory.

Game Two – UW-River Falls 6, UW-Stout 1

River Falls answered in the nightcap scoring six on 11 hits from the Falcon bats while Brooklyn VanGruensven went all seven for the victory. The Falcons jumped out early with two runs in the first inning with Addison Eaton and Grace Gardner each driving in runs to give UWRF immediate momentum heading into the following innings. 

The Falcons built their lead in the fourth before breaking the game open with a three-run fifth inning to make 6-1. Gardner led the way for the lineup with two RBIs and two runs scored. Kayla Dolan added a pair of hits and an RBI. River Falls totaled 11 hits in the win, with contributions throughout the lineup. 

Vangruensven delivered a complete-game performance, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out three to earn the win. 

The Falcons return to WIAC play this weekend, traveling to UW-Whitewater for a doubleheader on Saturday before heading to UW-Oshkosh for another conference twin bill on Sunday.