EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - Five UW-Eau Claire Athletics teams were in action today, four at home and one on the road.
Gymnastics
UW-Eau Claire Invitational - 2nd of 3
While the women’s gymnastics team trailed after three rotations, a strong performance in the floor exercise allowed the Blugolds to finish in second place out of three teams at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational in the McPhee Physical Education Center today. The Blugolds finished the floor exercise with a score of 47.100, the highest score of the day in any event. They finished with 183.900 points, the 10th highest total in school history, while Winona State University (Minn.) won with a score of 184.425. UW-Whitewater, the defending national champion, took third with 182.950 points. Elizabeth Stubbs and Leah Robinette both recorded first place finishes.
Women's Hockey
Saint Mary's (Minn.) 5, UW-Eau Claire 1
The women's hockey team was looking to rebound after being shutout by St. Mary's (Minn.) Friday afternoon on the road. The same two teams faced off at Hobbs Ice Center Saturday afternoon, but the Blugolds were on the wrong end once again, falling 5-1 to the Cardinals. The Blugolds struck first at 8:45 of the first period. But the Cardinals scored two in the first period to take the lead and added another in the second before scoring two more in the third.
Men's Hockey
UW-Eau Claire 4, Lawrence University 0
The men's hockey team picked up its fourth straight shutout and fifth straight win, defeating Lawrence University 4-0 at Hobbs Ice Center. It's the first time in school history the Blugolds have won four straight games with shutouts as they improve to 10-3-1 overall. Four different Blugolds scored goals in tonight's game.
Women's Basketball
UW-Whitewater 64, UW-Eau Claire 57
The women's basketball team stuck right with 19th-ranked UW-Whitewater but came up just a little short, falling 64-57 to the Warhawks on Ken Anderson Court in Zorn Arena tonight. The teams kept it close early and while the Warhawks led by one point five minutes into the game, the Blugolds outscored Whitewater 18-8 over the next 12 minutes to get up by nine (25-16). At halftime, the Blugolds led 27-22, holding the Warhawks to the fewest points this season in an opening half. In the second half, the score was tied at 40 with nine minutes to play but the Warhawks outscored the Blugolds the rest of the way 23-17 to remain unbeaten in the conference. Three Blugolds reached double figures in scoring, led by Carly Chell with 14 points.
Men's Basketball
UW-Whitewater 90, UW-Eau Claire 51
The men's basketball team had a tough time at 10th-ranked UW-Whitewater tonight, falling to the Warhawks 90-51 in Kachel Gymnasium. After exchanging baskets in the opening minutes, the teams were tied 4-4, but Whitewater then used an 11-2 run to get up by nine. The Blugolds got back to within four points (15-11), six minutes into the game but the Warhawks then went on a 20-0 run over the next seven minutes to get up 35-11 and never looked back. Lewis Mau led the Blugolds in scoring with 13 points while also leading the team with five rebounds.