Chippewa Valley Times

PELLA, Iowa — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team was defeated by Central College on Saturday at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Despite leading by 15 points in the first half, the Blugolds were unable to maintain their advantage as Central surged in the second half for a comeback win.

UW-Eau Claire (0-3) started strong and built a significant lead with a dominant second quarter. A 10-0 run, highlighted by two 3-pointers from Kyla Overskei, pushed them ahead by 15 points at 28-13 with just over two minutes remaining until halftime. They entered the break with a 29-16 lead.

Central responded after halftime with a decisive 16-0 run, keeping UW-Eau Claire scoreless for more than five minutes and taking the lead. Although UW-Eau Claire regained the advantage at 34-32 by the end of the third quarter, Central secured victory in a closely contested final quarter. A crucial 3-pointer put Central ahead 49-47 with just over two minutes left. Despite Overskei's late-game efforts, including a last-minute three-pointer that brought it to a one-point game, Central held on by making free throws.

Overskei recorded her first career double-double with 20 points and a career-high 12 rebounds. Lauren Meudt contributed eight points and six rebounds while Karsyn Bauman added eight points and achieved her best performance yet with ten rebounds. Jessilyn Ernst also collected ten rebounds.

The Blugolds will return home to face the College of Saint Benedict on Wednesday, November 20, at Sonnentag Event Center.