Issued: December 31, 2002

WOMEN BLUGOLDS ROLL AGAINST TEXAS LUTHERAN

SEGUIN, TX - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team converted on 18 of 21 free-throw attempts en route to a 71-45 victory over Texas Lutheran University here today at Memorial Gymnasium.

The victory improves the Blugold's record to 11-1 on the season while the Bulldogs fall to 1-7 overall.

Eau Claire used a combination of hot free-throw shooting and solid defense to topple the Bulldogs as they held Texas Lutheran to under 30 percent shooting from the floor. Eau Claire played tough in the paint and as a result took a 41-28 rebounding edge over the Bulldogs.

The Blugolds made 12 of 13 free throws attempted in the first half along with a field goal percentage of over 45 percent to build a solid 10 point lead in the first half. Eau Claire headed into the locker room at halftime with a 34-24 advantage.

The Blugolds did not let up in the second half as they shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and held the Bulldogs to just 21 second half points. The Blugolds shooters stayed hot and led Eau Claire to 37 points in the half to give them the 71-45 victory.

Becca Spaeth (Jr-Chippewa Falls/Chi-Hi) led the Blugolds in scoring and rebounding with 20 points and eight boards on the afternoon. Kristi Channing (Sr-Fall Creek) was the only other Blugold in double digit scoring as she totaled 10 points for Eau Claire to go along with six rebounds.

Courtney Ard led the way for the Bulldogs scoring 17 points and grabbing six rebounds.

Eau Claire will return to Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference action Saturday afternoon when they will travel to UW-Stevens Point to do battle with the Pointers. Tip-off is set for 3:00.

Eau Claire-Texas Lutheran Box