By Kerren Kollock, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – Madison Johnson (Sr.-Osceola,WI/Osceola) scored 42 points to break a school record Saturday night as she led the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team to a 94-89 win over the North Central College at Zorn Arena.

Box Score | Video | D3 Photography Gallery

UW-Eau Claire got off to a rather slow start, as North Central seemed to dominate the first period. Despite their first period decline, the Blugolds gained momentum and led the Cardinals 30-24 half way into the second. However, the slump returned as the Cardinals pulled ahead 42-34 going into the half-time break.

But after halftime, the tables began to turn. The Blugolds came out strong, and a three-point jump shot followed by a layup put the Blugolds back into the game. Eau Claire gained energy by the end of the third period as they led, 69-67.

The fourth period was just as fast-paced, with continuous scores by both teams. The difference was in Eau Claire's ability to force turnovers and grab rebounds at key moments. North Central scored at three-point jump shot with seven seconds remaining, but a free throw by Maddie Dunathan (Fr.-Hortonville, WI/Hortonville) secured the Blugold's five-point lead to soar past the Cardinals.

Johnson had a career night as she broke the school's scoring record with 42 points. The previous record was set in 2001 by Vanessa Schley who tallied 36 points against UW-Oshkosh. Johnson also had a game-high 17 rebounds on the night.

Several other Blugolds scored in double figures as Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh,WI/Lourdes), Jenni LaCroix (So.-Verona,WI/Verona Area), and Dunathan  put up 15, 10, 10 points, respectively. Eau Claire's Arien Becker (Jr.-Hayward, WI) also contributed nine rebounds and four steals to aid in the Blugold win.

The Blugolds will hit the road next weekend as they travel to Cedar Rapids Iowa to face Coe College at 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 19.