Spring Break
Blugolds open conference play with win
Women's basketball team remains undefeated with a victory over rival UW-Stout
Frank Pellegrino
Issue date: 12/8/08 Section: Sports
|
In a back-and-forth hard-fought game, Eau Claire was able to slip past UW-Stout with a 73-68 victory.
"Credit Stout, they played a great game and really gave us everything we could handle," coach Tonja Englund said.
In the first five minutes, both teams went back-and-forth and the Blugolds held an early 8-7 lead at the 15-minute mark.
Tough, physical play ensued and it was clear both teams were going to be battling for the remainder of the game.
Stout was able to string a few stops in a row and appeared to be gaining momentum. After hitting a three-point shot, the Blue Devils held a 22-15 lead with just under six minutes to go in the half.
Following a Stout timeout, Eau Claire quickly converted a field goal attempt. After a swift steal on defense, Eau Claire made a three pointer of their own, cutting the deficit to two.
At the half Stout had a 31-29 lead over the Blugolds.
It was unclear which team held the advantage because as soon as one team seemed to be making progress, the other team would answer with a play of its own.
"We had to relax a little bit and really step it on defense," senior Heather Witt said. "Our defense wasn't creating our offense and we needed to execute to get back in the game."
Stout gained a four-point lead early in the second half, but Eau Claire answered again. After making a fast basket, the Blugolds got the ball back. Senior Heidi Arciszewski, who seemed to make big plays whenever Eau Claire needed it, converted a three-point play to take their first lead of the half.
Like in the first half, both teams struggled to maintain a strong hold on the game and both traded off the lead.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Stout had a narrow 59-58 lead over Eau Claire.
From there the Blugolds went on an 11- point scoring run to take a 10-point lead, and appeared to be in control.
Be the first to comment on this story