By Tommy McGowan, UWEC Sports Information
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (blugolds.com) - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated UW-River Falls on Friday night, 75-57.
The Blugolds took the first quarter, up 18-13 at the initial break. They played great defense in the period, holding the Falcons to just 36% shooting from the field, while forcing six turnovers.
A cold shooting second left Eau Claire trailing going into halftime, 41-32. Katie Essen (Sr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) led them in scoring during the half, with 14 points. Jessie Ruden (So.-Rochester, MN/John Marshall) had eight of her own and nailed a three on their final possession of the first.
Eau Claire wrestled back the lead in the final minutes of the third quarter off free throws from Ellie Clayton (Jr.-Lakeville, MN/Farmington). Clayton would then add a layup to send them into the final period up 57-54.
A terrific fourth helped the Blugolds fend off any comeback attempt. They didn't allow River Falls to make a single field goal attempt in the quarter and hit 62% from the field themselves. A close game ended up being a comfortable 18-point victory.
Despite struggling from three-point range, Eau Claire still managed to shoot 46% from the field on the game. They were also absolutely dominant on the boards, outrebounding the Falcons 44-27.
Essen would finish with a career-high 26 points off 11-18 shooting. Maizie Deihl (Sr.-New Prague, MN) added 16, while Clayton ended up with 12. On the glass, Tyra Boettcher (Jr.-Menomonie, WI) was the key contributor, as she led all players with 10 rebounds.
The victory continues Eau Claire's perfect 2021 season, as they are now 6-0. They will square off against UW-Oshkosh in their lone series against the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference East Division. That game will tip off next Wednesday, February 24th on the road. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day.
