If one word could define the UW-Eau Claire football team’s 42-14 loss to UW-La Crosse on Saturday, that word would be consistency.

“In the first half, we battled back even though (La Crosse) made a few big plays on us,” coach Todd Glaser said. “We need to play on a more consistent basis and get the momentum going our way.”

After five straight three and out possessions between both teams, La Crosse pulled ahead 6-0 on a late first quarter touchdown. The Eagles extended the lead to 14-0 after blocking a punt in the second quarter and returning it for a score.

La Crosse managed to add another touchdown to make it 21-0 in the second quarter before the Blugolds came to life and forced a fumble in Eagle territory.

Sophomore Kyle Paulson connected with juniors Tony Hull and Scotty Osborn for gains of 24 and 14 yards to put the ball on the La Crosse one-yard line. Senior running back Eddy Kaiser finished the drive with a touchdown to put ‘Golds on the board.

Eau Claire then capitalized on an interception by the Blugold defense and the result was a six-yard pass from Paulson to junior Chris Hull that drew the Blugolds within seven points of La Crosse. The ‘Golds went into halftime down 21-14 with the momentum swinging their way.

“In the second quarter, the defense caused takeaways and the offense converted them into touchdowns,” Glaser said. “The momentum definitely shifted and we were feeding off of each other.”

Following some subtle adjustments at half, the Blugolds took the field looking to keep up the fight. However, La Crosse managed to score 21 more points and keep Eau Claire out of the end zone to leave with a 42-14 victory.

“We just didn’t come out in the second half playing at a high level and La Crosse did,” Glaser said.

Paulson passed for 189 yards and a touchdown while Osborn led the Blugold receivers with six catches for 61 yards.

Senior wide receiver Matt Evensen said the team never really put the offense, defense and special teams together in the second half.

“We fought all the way to the end,” Glaser said. “(La Crosse) is a good team. We can’t make mental mistakes against a team like that.”

Evensen said the team is getting back to the basics to prepare for UW-Stevens Point.

“We obviously want everything to come together and work one game at a time,” he said. “If we do the little things, everything will fall into place.”