The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women’s basketball team ended its first semester with a seven-game winning streak after defeating Gustavus Adolphus College 61-46 at Gus Young Court in Saint Peter, Minnesota. The Blugolds led from the second quarter onward and capitalized on 23 turnovers by the Gusties, which resulted in 16 points. They also outscored their opponents in the paint, holding a 22-14 advantage.
The game began with Gustavus Adolphus making an early three-pointer, but UW-Eau Claire responded quickly. Britta DeMar contributed with a three-pointer midway through the first quarter, and Reanna Hutchinson added to the lead with a jumper as UW-Eau Claire went up 16-5. Despite a late push from the Gusties at the end of the first quarter, the Blugolds held an 18-16 edge.
In the second quarter, Reanna Hutchinson opened scoring for UWEC with a three-pointer assisted by Paige Keller. Delaney Nyenhuis made several defensive plays that kept pressure on Gustavus Adolphus. Although GAC narrowed the deficit with their own three-pointers and free throws late in the half, Hutchinson’s free throw secured a four-point halftime lead for UWEC at 33-29.
UW-Eau Claire continued to widen its margin in the third quarter. Olivia Witkowski scored early with help from Britta DeMar, while Kyla Overskei contributed key free throws and baskets to extend their advantage to double digits by quarter’s end. Paige Keller closed out the period with a three-pointer that gave UWEC a comfortable lead heading into the final frame.
In the fourth quarter, Kyla Overskei played an important role offensively by adding multiple layups and connecting on her third three-pointer of the night. Although Gustavus Adolphus managed some scores late in regulation, they were unable to close the gap as Olivia Witkowski’s layup sealed a final score of 61-46 for UW-Eau Claire.
Reanna Hutchinson led all scorers for UWEC with 16 points on six-for-twelve shooting and collected seven rebounds. Kyla Overskei added 17 points—including three shots from beyond-the-arc—and six rebounds. Delaney Nyenhuis registered six steals along with four points and three assists; Kailey Tulachka had two steals and two points.
With this victory, UW-Eau Claire improved its overall record to 8-1 while Gustavus Adolphus dropped to 4-4 (1-2 MIAC).
After finals week and holiday break, UW-Eau Claire will compete next at the ETBU Holiday Tournament in Marshall, Texas on December 29–30.
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