Issued: December 4, 2002

BLUGOLD WOMEN HOLD OFF LA CROSSE

LA CROSSE - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team used a 7-0 run midway through the second half to propel themselves to their 24th consecutive victory over UW-La Crosse 65-61 here tonight at Mitchell Hall.

The first half went back and forth with La Crosse taking there biggest lead at 12-7 at the 15:04 mark of the first half. At 7:27, the Blugolds went on an 11-2 run to take a 30-25. Eau Claire went into half with a 34-31.

Katie Murphy (So.-La Crosse/Aquinas) led the Blugolds in the first half with ten points while Yasmin Johnson paced the Eagles with 11.

The Blugolds and Eagles exchanged baskets in the second half with La Crosse tying the game at 52 with 7:52 remaining. Eau Claire then went on a 7-0 run highlighted by consecutive three pointers from Janel Soppeland (Sr.-Cadott). The Blugolds would not relinquish the lead.

Eau Claire had five scorers in double figures with Becca Spaeth (Jr.-Chippewa Falls/Chi-Hi) and Kristi Channing (Sr.-Fall Creek) leading the way with 12 a piece. Brooke Wozniak (Jr.-Stanley/Stanley-Boyd) and Soppeland each added 11 while Murphy finished with 10 to go along with five assists. Wozniak also added a team best 12 boards.

La Crosse was led by Johnson's 19 points and Karen Bergs 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Blugolds used their 48-35 rebound advantage to counter the 22-17 turnover advantage held by the Eagles. Eau Claire shot 38.6 percent for the game while La Crosse shot 36.7.

The Blugolds will travel to Menomonie Saturday to take on UW-Stout. The scheduled start time is 5 p.m.

Eau Claire-La Crosse Box