WINONA, Minn. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team fell to Division II's No. 16-ranked Winona State on Wednesday night in McCown Gymnasium in an exhibition match-up.
The Warriors used a 14-0 run to jump out to an 18-4 lead t before nailing a jumper to put WSU up 23-10 at the first quarter buzzer.
A 9-2 Warrior run to start the second quarter extended the lead to 22 points with a 34-12 score.
However, the Blugolds were sparked by back-to-back threes by Bree Meier (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/South) and would cut into the lead but a 10-2 run to end the half put the Warriors back up 46-25 halftime.
The Division II squad controlled the second half and dominated the fourth quarter, cruising to an 85-44 win.
Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) led all scorers with 17 points and also recorded eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Meier also hit double figures, tallying 12 points.
The Blugolds' home opener will be the first day of the Blugold Tip-Off Classic on Friday, November 20. Eau Claire will take on St. Scholastica at 8 p.m.