By: Jake Krier, UWEC Sports Information

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) - On Sunday, the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team held their year-end banquet at Wild Ridge Golf Course. This season's award winners were named for the following categories: Most Valuable Player, Most Improved, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and the Blugold Award.

The Most Valuable Player honor was awarded to Anna Graaskamp (So.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial). The two-time All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) player led the team in scoring, averaging 15.6 points per game. The sophomore also topped the Blugolds in rebounds per game (5.9) and total blocks (18).

The Most Improved and Defensive Player of the Year honors were both awarded to Kelsey Bakken (So.-Marshall, WI). Bakken was previously named to the All-WIAC Defensive Team as well as All-WIAC Honorable Mention. She led the team in total rebounds, averaging a slight tick below Graaskamp with 5.8 per game. The sophomore also led the team in steals with 56 and her 281 points were second-best for the squad.

Katie Essen (Fr.-Farmington, MN/Rosemount) was named Rookie of the Year. The freshman center averaged 7.4 points and 3.2 boards a game. Essen also contributed 25 assists, 19 steals, and six blocks.

The Blugold Award was given to Janice Anderson (Sr.-Port Wing, WI/South Shore). The guard finished her senior season with ten points, two steals, and five rebounds in 36 minutes of play.

The Blugolds finished 18-9 overall and tied for second in the WIAC this past season with a conference record of 9-5.

Follow the action all season long on Blugold Game Day.