Despite the Blugolds’ early lead on Saturday’s game, ultimately they fell short 10 points, giving the 60-50 victory to UW-Whitewater.

With 9:15 left in the first half, the Blugolds had the biggest lead of the game – seven points. Junior Heather Witt sunk in a free throw to place the Blugolds ahead on the scoreboard by 15-8.

Whitewater didn’t fall far behind and scored a 3-pointer, and then tied up the game with 3:05 left in the first half. Whitewater went on a run and ended the half with an eight point lead.

Senior Michelle Burns said Saturday’s game was tough as they played on Whitewater’s home court.

“We got away from our game plan,” Burns said. “We got outplayed, in rebound and we weren’t crafting a lot.”

Burns said that the Blugolds’ game plan was to help inside while avoiding shooters outside.

In the second half Burns added two free throws while Junior Heidi Arciszewski scored a 3-pointer that placed the Blugolds on the lead.

It didn’t last long as Whitewater increased its lead by 10 points. With 5:49 left to play, Burns made a layup and a 3-pointer. Whitewater again responded with two layups to retain its lead, this time with 11 points. By the end Arciszewski finished the game with six straight points, but these wouldn’t be enough and the Blugolds lost by 10.

“We played hard, but sometimes you have to play smart,” Arciszewski said. “We had a lot of gaps, which Whitewater took advantage of.”

Coach Tonja Englund agreed and said that it was a good game between two very good teams and that it made a difference as Whitewater was playing home.

Saturday’s loss puts the Blugolds at 10-1 in WIAC play and 16-4 overall. Whitewater’s victory improved its record at WIAC by 10-1 and an overall of 19-1.

Top scores included Arciszewski with 17 points, Burns with 12 points and junior Missy Fremstad scored 10 points.

“We didn’t rebound well as a team,” Arciszewski said. “We didn’t push harder.”