WHITEWATER, WI (blugolds.com) --The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team traveled to UW-Whitewater for a 3:00 PM conference match up against the Warhawks. Jessie Ruden (Jr.- Rochester, MN) led the Blugolds with 20 points and 7 rebounds. The Blugolds fell short 73-64.
The opening quarter was a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. Whitewater started the quarter quick 5-0, but the Blugolds answered with a bucket from Courtney Crouch and 3 pointers from Jessie Ruden and Kylie Mogen (So.-Menomonie, WI) putting the Blugolds in the lead. Eau Claire kept it close in the first quarter trailing 21-18.
Jade Ganski (So.-Rothschild,WI/Newman Catholic) went 2-2 from the 3-point line in the second quarter giving the Blugolds an offensive boost. Eau Claire secured 20 boards while shooting 38% from the three-point-line. The Blugolds go into the second half with an 8-point deficit, 38-30.
Starting the second half Ruden and Mogen combined for all 12 points in the third quarter. The Blugolds late push in the fourth quarter outscoring Whitwater 22-21 wasn't enough to secure the win against the No. 8 ranked Warhawks. Eau Claire suffered its first conference loss of the season 73-64.
The Blugolds (11-3, WIAC 2-1) will face the UW-Stout Blue Devils Wednesday, January 12th at 7:00 PM in Zorn Arena.
Follow the Blugolds all season long at Blugold Game Day or on our app, UWEC Blugolds.
