UW-Eau Claire defeated Luther 8-6 to secure a split of this non-conference twin bill this afternoon in the valley. The Blugolds scored four in the third, and two in both the fourth and fifth frames. Luther tallied three runs in the third, one in the fourth and two in the fifth. UW-Eau Claire tallied 13 hits to Luther's nine and the Blugolds did not committ and error.

Sydney Schultz continued to swing a hot bat going 3-for-4, finishing the afternoon 5-for-8 at the plate. Katie Brennan also had a multiple hit game going 2-for-3 and finished 4-for-6 for the afternoon. Elsa Skeie hit a three-run home run over the left field fence in the bottom of the third, that drew the Norse to within one of the Blugolds (4-3), the closest the Norse would get the rest of the game. Brennan, Belle Berg and Emily Versnik all drove in one run.

The Norse pitching staff allowed a combined 13 hits that led to seven earned runs. They walked three and struck out five.

The loss gives Luther an overall record of 12-4. UW-Eau Claire improved to 11-7.

Luther returns to American Rivers Conference play this weekend. The Norse will travel to No. 17 University of Dubuque for a three-game stand starting with a double header on March 27 and a single game on March 28. Both days action will begin at 1:00 p.m.