EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team turned back to nonconference play on Wednesday as they hosted the Bethany Lutheran College Vikings at Zorn Arena. A rough night of shooting for UW-Eau Claire found themselves taking their first loss of the season, 63-61.
The first quarter featured a strong defensive start for the Blugolds as they held the visitors to 7 points and a team shooting percentage of 16.7%. Turnovers were an issue for the Vikings as they had five of their game in the opening 10 minutes of play.
The second quarter shifted momentum slightly as BLC outscored the Blugolds 13-11 to close the deficit to just four at halftime. With their lowest shooting percentage coming right before half, second chance opportunities were not available as UWEC was outrebounded as well.
Th second half continued to tilt in favor of the visitors as they outscored Eau Claire 43-37 to give the #3 ranked team their first loss of the season. Jessie Ruden (Jr. – Rochester, MN/John Marshall) scored 15 of her team high 18 points in the final 20-minutes. Tyra Boettcher (Sr. – Menomonie, WI) added eight of her own points and four rebounds for a game total of 17 points and seven rebounds. UWEC tallied their lowest total shooting percentage and three-point percentage all season in their first loss on the year.
The Blugolds (8-1, WIAC 2-0) continue nonconference play before the holiday break with as they host Loras College on Saturday, December 11th at 5PM.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
