By Kerren Kollock, UWEC Sports Information
EAU CLAIRE, Wisc. (Blugolds.com) The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team hosted the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneers on Wednesday night, defeating the Pioneers, 77-45.
The UW-Eau Claire Blugolds fought two battles tonight-- one against UW-Platteville, and one against cancer. Tonight's game served as the annual Shoot for a Cure event. Over $1,000 dollars was raised for American Cancer Society of the Eau Claire area.
After an upsetting loss to UW-River Falls on Saturday, the Blugolds played with passion and hunger for another home win. They demonstrated this desire as they ended the first period with a 19-point lead. Seven different Blugolds scored in the first half and Eau Claire shot 46 percent from the floor.
Eau Claire did not slow down their pace of play, as they continued to out-score the Pioneers by 16 points in the third period. The Blugolds also dominated the boards throughout the game, and out-rebounded Platteville, 50-35.
The game's leading scorer was Eau Claire's Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins). O'Toole had a double-double, with 33 points and 12 rebounds. Another statistic leader was Arien Becker (Jr.-Hayward, WI/Hayward), with a powerful 12 rebounds and seven assists. Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes) also put up 15 points on the night.
With her 278th win, Blugold Head Coach Tonja Englund becomes the winningest coach in program history. In the WIAC, she is now fourth in wins moving ahead of former Blugold Coach Lisa Stone.
The Blugolds (8-8, 3-2 WIAC) will be back in Zorn Arena on Saturday, Jan. 23 as they face the #11 UW-Whitewater Warhawks (USA Today Coaches poll). Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.