By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Info
LA CROSSE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated UW-La Crosse on Friday night, 64-48.
Jessie Ruden (So.-Rochester, MN/John Marshall) quickly began the scoring for Eau Claire, hitting a three-pointer to open the action. The Blugolds were able to extend their lead throughout the first quarter, going into break up 17-9. Maizie Deihl (Sr.-New Prague, MN) hit a jumper in the final seconds to close the quarter.
That lead would hold for the remainder of the first half, as Eau Claire hit halftime break leading 33-23. Ellie Clayton (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/Farmington) fueled the offense in the second period, as she had seven points.
At half, Ruden was the leading scorer, knocking down a trio of three-pointers to help give her 14 points.
A pair of free throws from Deihl would kick off the second half scoring. The Eagles would end up taking the third period, but the Blugolds still went into the fourth with a nine-point advantage.
Things would tighten even more to begin the final quarter, but a huge three from Deihl gave UWEC much-needed separation. The Blugolds would add 16 points in the final period, bringing them to 64 on the night.
Ruden would finish the night as the top scorer, with 22 points off 7-14 shooting. Deihl would add 14 of her own, while Clayton had 13. In addition, Tyra Boettcher (Jr.-Menomonie, WI) led all players with nine rebounds.
While Eau Claire didn't have as strong of a shooting night from the field as their opener, they did go 10-24 from three (41.7%). They were also nearly perfect at the free throw line, hitting 14 of their 15 attempts.
The win moves the Blugolds to 2-0 on the 2021 season. They complete the season sweep of La Crosse, which they haven't done since the 2015-2016 season. Next up is UW-Stout on Wednesday, February 10th. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.
