By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - On Saturday, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team held their year-end banquet at Wild Ridge Golf Course. The award winners were named for the following categories: Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved, and the Blugold Award. Additionally, the captains for the year were honored and given the Captains Awards.

The Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year honors were both awarded to Anna Graaskamp (Fr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial). The freshman forward averaged 13.8 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game in her hometown. Her 332 total points on the year led the squad, with the next closest being 200 points, and her 164 total boards were second-best for rebounds.

Arien Brennan (Sr.-Hayward, WI) was named Defensive Player of the Year. Brennan led the team in rebounds and steals. She also posted nine blocks on the year on the defensive side of play.

Being honored as Most Improved was Kayla Hanley (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, WI/Chi-Hi). The junior forward scored an average of 7.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists a game.

The Blugold Award was given to Bree Meier (Sr.-Lakeville, MN/South). The guard posted numbers of 6 points per game, 1.5 boards per game, and nearly an assist per game in her senior stanza.

Finally, Meier, Brennan, and Ellen Blacklock (Sr.-Winona, MN) were presented with the Captains Awards for leading the team during the 2016-17 campaign.

The Blugolds' season came to a close as they were ousted from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) tournament in the first round by UW-La Crosse. They finished the year with an overall record of 13-13 and conference record of 7-7.