Posted: Dec 30, 2015
GREENCASTLE, Ind. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team faced the Franklin College Grizzlies on Tuesday afternoon. The Blugolds won, 57-48.
UW Eau Claire hit the court after a huge win Monday night against DePauw University looking to earn another victory against a ranked opponent. Franklin jumped out to an early 7 point lead after one quarter of play.
After the first period, Eau Claire gained energy and began to pull ahead. A mixture of sharp shooting and key fundamental defense put the Blugolds ahead as they led the entire third and fourth periods. The Grizzlies fought back in the end of the fourth period, but three key free-throws by Haley Kroll (Fr.-Weston, WI/DC Everest) secured the Blugold lead.
Statistically, Eau Claire out-scored Franklin in every category. The Blugolds shot 40 percent from the floor and from behind the arc and shot a solid 80.8 percent from the free-throw line.
The game's leading scorer was Eau Claire's Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes), with 30 points (4-4 from the free-throw line). Lichtfuss also led the game with eight rebounds. Eau Claire's Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN-Hopkins) also pitched in 12 points on the night.
Both wins at the Amy Hasbrook Memorial Classic Tournament were very vital for this Blugold team. Seniors Lichtfuss and Madison Johnson were both named as two of the five "all tournament team" players.
The Blugolds (5-6), will be back in action as they open their conference play against the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m. in Stevens Point, WI.