By Kerren Kollock, UWEC Sports Information
WINONA, Minn. (Blugolds.com)—The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team faced the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, falling to the Cardinals, 68-73.
UW-Eau Claire hit the road to take on undefeated Saint Mary's to end the holiday week. This game, among many other non-conference match-ups, truly showed how strong of a schedule the Blugolds have this season.
The Blugolds statistically outpaced the Cardinals on offense, making 43.3 percent of their field goals, and 81.8 percent of their free throws. Unfortunately, Saint Mary's 16 offensive rebounds allowed the Cardinals more opportunities to steal the lead away from Eau Claire. Eau Claire entered the fourth period with a five-point lead, but they couldn't secure the win in part to a handful of Cardinal three-point jump shots which ultimately set Saint Mary's ahead.
The game's overall leading scorer was SMU's Micaela Meredith, with 22 points. The Blugolds' foremost scorer was Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) with 18 points. Maddie Dunathan (Fr.-Hortonville, WI/Hortonville) also contributed a notable 13 points off the bench.
The Blugolds (2-3, 0-0 WIAC) have a few days to prepare for their next game, which will be held on Saturday Dec. 5 as they host Wartburg College at 3:00 p.m. in Zorn Arena. The team will be recognizing all of the Blugold basketball parents at halftime.
