DALLAS, Tex. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball was back for competition on Wednesday. In their first game of the UT-Dallas Comet Classic the Blugolds faced the Calvin University Knights for an afternoon affair. After taking more than two weeks off for finals and the holidays, UW-Eau Claire suffered their second loss of the season to the Knights, 61-49.
The opening quarter proved tough for the Blugolds as Calvin came out to a 7-0 lead in the opening three minutes. Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) gathered five of her 14 total points in the first quarter with a layup, a three-pointer, and two free throws. With a ten-point deficit heading into the second frame, Eau Claire hung around in the second only being outscored 14-13.
With Ruden gathering another five points, Kylie Mogen (So. – Menomonie, WI) scored her first points as a Blugold with a three-pointer halfway through the quarter. Tyra Boettcher (Sr. – Menomonie, WI) gathered four of her five total defensive rebounds in the second frame as Eau Claire out-rebounded the Knights 12-11.
The third quarter seemed to switch momentum a bit as the Blugolds found their best offensive productivity after halftime by shooting 50% as a team. Ellie Clayton (Sr. – Lakeville, MN/Farmington) led the team to outscore Calvin 17-10 in the quarter as she tallied eight of her 14 total points in the third.
With only four points between the two teams heading into the final ten minutes, UW-Eau Claire couldn't mount the comeback and suffered their second loss of the season, 61-49.
The Blugolds (9-2, WIAC 2-0) will continue their stay in Texas with their second game of the Comet Classic on Thursday, December 30th. UW-Eau Claire will face off with the hosts, UT-Dallas, at 3PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
