By Kerren Kollock, UWEC Sports Information
MENOMONIE, Wis. (Blugolds.com)-The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team improved to 7-7 (2-1 WIAC) with their win over the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils on Wednesday night, winning 81-67.
After a big home win against UW-La Crosse on Saturday, UW-Eau Claire kept up their momentum with a powerful win over UW-Stout. The intensity between the Blugolds and the Blue Devils was prominent at tip-off. Eau Claire came out firing, as they earned the lead fifteen seconds into the game. Once they stepped ahead, they never lost their lead.
Although the Blugolds shot 47 percent of their field goals on the night, it was more than mere offense that won the game. Eau Claire's defense limited Stout (averaging 76 points per game) to only 23 points in the first half of play. The Blugolds had eight blocks and six steals on the night and held the Blue Devils to 28 percent shooting from the floor.
Another key to success was their ability to grab 48 rebounds throughout the game. Arien Becker (Jr.-Hayward, WI/Hayward), Madison Johnson (Sr.-Osceola, WI/Osceola), and Erin O'Toole (So.-Plymouth, MN/Hopkins) each claimed 9, 8, and 7 rebounds, respectively.
The game's leading scorer was Erin O'Toole, she had a season-high 35 points on the night (14-21 from the field, 7-8 from the free throw line). O'Toole also contributed four blocks. O'Toole's 35 points performances places her with four other Blugolds for third in points scored in a single game. Eau Claire's Madison Johnson and Teenie Lichtfuss (Sr.-Oshkosh, WI/Lourdes) also pitched in 16 and 11 points, respectively.
The Blugolds will be back on the road as they head to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls on Saturday, January 16th. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.