Chippewa Valley Times

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team started strong but was unable to maintain their lead against the College of Saint Benedict, resulting in a 69-63 loss on Wednesday at the Sonnentag Event Center. The Blugolds began with an impressive 21-0 run, holding the Bennies scoreless until late in the first period. Despite this early advantage, they could not withstand Saint Benedict's comeback in the second half.

In the opening eight minutes, UW-Eau Claire (0-4) dominated by scoring the first 21 points and limiting their opponents to just 3 of 20 shooting from the field during the quarter. The Blugolds continued their strong performance into the second quarter, maintaining a 17-point lead at halftime while shooting 50% in the first quarter and 53% in the second.

However, Saint Benedict gained momentum in the third quarter with a significant 12-3 run that reduced UW-Eau Claire's lead to five points at 50-45 as they entered the final period. The Bennies then took their first lead with a three-pointer at 6:34 remaining in regulation and maintained control for the rest of the game, outscoring UW-Eau Claire 24-13 in the fourth quarter.

Kyla Overskei from Maple Grove, Minnesota led UW-Eau Claire with 15 points and six rebounds. Jessilyn Ernst contributed with 11 points and nine rebounds, Reanna Hutchinson added ten points and six boards, while Kailey Tulachka had ten points and seven rebounds.

The Blugolds will next face St. Norbert College on Tuesday, November 26 at home. The game is scheduled for a tip-off at 7 p.m. at Sonnentag Event Center.

Fans can follow UW-Eau Claire throughout their season on Blugolds.com or through social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.