By Kerren Kollock, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, WIs. (Blugolds.com)- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team faced the College of St. Scholastica Saints Friday at Zorn Arena, winning in overtime, 83-77.
In their first game of the Tip-Off Classic, UW-Eau Claire opened the first period with a couple of explosive back-to-back three-point baskets by Bree Meier (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/South). Accompanied by jump shots and layups from fellow Blugolds, Eau Claire was off to a strong start.
Despite their solid beginning, the Blugolds struggled to establish a definitive lead in the end of the fourth period. A couple of Saints' free throws followed by a layup led to St. Scholastica tying the game in the end of regulation play at 67 all.
Eau Claire's energy sparked in overtime with Madison Johnson (Sr.-Osceola, WI/Osceola) scoring three major baskets and one free throw, all within one minute of playing time. Johnson was the game's leading scorer with 27 points. Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes) and Jenni LaCroix (So.-Verona, WI/Verona Area) also pitched in a notable 16 and 15 points, respectively.
The Blugolds (1-1,0-0 WIAC) will take the court again Saturday, Nov. 21 as they face UW-Superior at 5:00 p.m. in their final game of the Blugold Tip-Off Classic.