Despite 20 second half points from Courtney Lewis, the first half turnovers proved too costly as the UW-Eau Claire women’s basketball team fell 56-53 to UW-Superior at Zorn Arena Wednesday night, dropping their record to 9-10 overall and 4-6 in WIAC play.

The Blugolds struggled early, turning the ball over 13 times in the first half. Superior’s pressure defense took advantage and went into halftime with a 30-19 lead.

The Blugolds went with a veteran lineup in the second half and, despite trailing 36-21 with 16:54 left to play, cut down on the turnovers and a pair of Lewis free throws even tied the game at 51 with 1:08 left to play.

Superior’s Deandra Vavra’s layup with 35 seconds to play put the Yellowjackets up for good at 53-51. The Blugolds had a chance to tie with six seconds left and the score 56-53, but Leah Rempert and Sarah Bignea both missed desperation 3-pointers and the Yellowjackets hung on to win by that same score.

Lewis led the Blugolds with 20 points, all in the second half. She also led the Blugolds with six rebounds.

Rempert came off of the bench to score 12 points.

The Yellowjackets were led in scoring by the hot shooting Kristen Nett, hitting four 3-pointers en route to 14 points. Vavra added 13.

The Blugolds will return to the floor Saturday evening when they host the UW-Whitewater Warhawks in Zorn Arena. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Blugold men’s game.

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