By Kerren Kollock, Sports Information

WHITEWATER, Wis. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team faced the No. 24 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater on Tuesday night, beating the Warhawks, 69-59. This was the first round of WIAC tournament play, as UW-Eau Claire was the No. 5 seed and UW-Whitewater was the No. 4 seed.

Box Score | Video | WIAC Tournament Webpage

After just making the trip down to Whitewater this past Saturday, stepping into the Kachel Gymnasium this evening was a very familiar feeling for the Blugolds. Furthermore, the feeling of beating Whitewater on the road was even more prominent in their minds. Just like Saturday's win, Eau Claire put together an energetic team-based triumph.

Despite a rocky first period, Eau Claire managed to turn the momentum of the game around in the second quarter. After a 27-27 tie with 11 seconds on the clock, Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh,WI/Lourdes) hit a layup in the last second to give the Blugolds a two point lead going into the final half of play. Although the Warhawks fought back in the third period, Eau Claire gained back their comfortable control in the fourth.

Eau Claire's success was largely due to their hot shooting, as they shot 51.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. The Blugolds managed to out rebound the Warhawks 39-27 and get to the free-throw line 33 times compared to 13 times for Whitewater.

The game's leading scorer was Lichtfuss with 23 points and five assists. Erin O'Toole (So.Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) also had a double-double on the night, with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Arien Becker (Jr.-Hayward, WI/Hayward) also contributed ten points and nine rebounds.

The Blugolds (14-12) will advance to the semifinal round of WIAC tournament play as they take on 11th-ranked UW-River Falls on Thursday, Feb. 25th. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in River Falls.