EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated UW-La Crosse 66-46 Saturday night in Zorn Arena.
Despite a quick start by the Eagles, the used a pair of three-pointers by Teenie Lichtfuss (Jr.-Oshkosh, WI) to tie the game at 9-9 with 16:44 remaining. Eau Claire led by as many as seven in the half at 22-15 after a Madison Johnson (Jr.-Oseola, WI) jumper with 8:27 to go, but UW-L was able to keep it close and trailed 32-27 at the half.
In the second half, the Eagles were able to cut the lead to 34-31 with 16:28 remaining, but the Blugolds would extend it to double-digits at 46-35 with 12:09 left in the contest after a pair of free throws by Jamie Swanson (Fr.-Woodbury, MN). The home squad would go on to outscore La Crosse 20-9 the rest of the way.
Eau Claire shot 44.2 percent from the field, including 50 percent (nine for 18) from three-point range, and 68.8 percent (11 for 16) at the line.
La Crosse shot 25.8 percent from the field, and were 0 for 13 from three-point range. The Eagles shot 73.7 percent (14 for 19) from the free throw line.
Courtney Lewis (Sr.-Prairie du Chien, WI) led all scorers with 17 points. Abby Midtlien (So.-Chaseburg, WI) added 12 while Licthfuss chipped in 10. Rachel Egdorf (Sr.-Mishicot, WI) had nine rebounds for the Blugolds.
The Blugolds (7-6, 2-2 WIAC) return to Zorn on Wednesday as they host UW-Stout at 7 p.m.
-JM-