Balanced attack propels Blugolds to 74-61 win over Bethel

Photo by Kendall McGinnis, UWEC Photo
Photo by Kendall McGinnis, UWEC Photo

By Alex Richert, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team tallied another win Thursday night with a victory over the Bethel Royals by a final score of 74-61.

Box Score | Photos

Eau Claire had three players shine during the first half; Kelsey Bakken (Jr. – Marshall, WI), Hallee Hoeppner (Jr. – Winona, MN) and Katie Essen (So. – Farmington, MN/Rosemount) accounted for all but 14 points.  The Blugolds finished the second quarter shooting 77.8 percent (7-9) from the floor and hitting all their three-pointers (2-2).  

Eau Claire finished the game knocking down 51.9 percent of their shots inside the paint and 42.9 percent of their shots behind the arc.  Fouls also contributed an abundance of points for the Blugolds as they took 28 shots from the line, converting 22.  Eau Claire's defense played well, holding the Royals to only 11 points off turnovers compared to 29 for the Blugolds. Eau Claire never trailed the Royals throughout the game.  

Hoeppner and Essen led the Blugolds with 15 points apiece, while Bakken and Brooke Harris (Jr. – Green Bay, WI/Bay Port) both recorded 13 apiece.  Maddie Dunathan (Sr. – Hortonville, WI) also displayed a good outing, leading the team in both assists and steals (six and five, respectively).  

The Blugolds look to add another win to their record Saturday, December 1st, where they will battle against the UW-Superior Yellowjackets (4-2). Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app on your mobile device.