By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
NORTHFIELD, Minn. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated Carleton (Minn.) 75-50 on Wednesday night.
The Blugolds finished the first quarter with a 12-11 lead, thanks to a three-pointer from Maizie Diehl (Jr.-New Prague, MN) as time expired. Diehl also opened the scoring for Eau Claire, scoring the first four points of the game.
Eau Claire would continue their hot shooting in the second period, with a 9-0 run to begin the quarter. After things tightened with five minutes remaining, Caryn Donahue (Sr.-Rockton, IL/Hononegah) knocked down two huge three-pointers to make it 31-19. The Blugolds would take that 12-point lead into the half.
Diehl began the second half with a three, while Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) and Katie Essen (Jr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) also contributed to widening the gap early in the half. Eau Claire didn't slow down, ending the third quarter with a 22-point lead, before finishing off the Knights in the fourth.
The Blugolds would shoot 48% from the field in the 25-point victory, while also knocking down 43% from downtown. They also dominated on the glass, out-rebounding Carleton 40-23.
Tops performers for Eau Claire included Hallee Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN), who had 14 points, as well as Diehl, who finished with 12. Hoeppner was also crucial in the Blugold rebounding numbers, with seven boards, while Jessie Ruden (Fr.-Rochester, MN/John Marshall) contributed five assists.
With the win, the Blugolds move to 2-3 on the season. They are back home in Zorn Arena this Saturday to square off with Loras (Iowa). The game will tip at 5 PM and will also serve as Parents Day. Follow the Blugolds on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.