EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Blugolds.com) – The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team hosted Loras College in another non-conference match-up on Saturday night.

Box Score | Photos

Despite outshooting the Duhawks from both the field (55.6 percent, 41.5 percent) and from the three-point line (43.8 percent, 41.5 percent), the Blugolds fell in a close battle, 79-76.

After an evenly matched first quarter, Loras surged ahead in the second to take a 47-35 lead at the break. However, the Blugolds would come out strong in the second half, outscoring the Duhawks 24-18 in the third quarter but still trailed 65-59 heading into the final frame.

Eau Claire again out-shot Loras in the quarter (17-14) but the Duhawks would hit free throws at the end of the game to seal the victory.

Seniors Hallee Hoeppner (Sr.-Winona, MN) and Anna Graaskamp (Sr.-Eau Claire, WI/Memorial) led all scorers with 20 points each, while Kelsey Bakken (Sr.-Marshall, MN) and Katie Essen (Jr.-Rosemount, MN) each chipped in 10.

Hoeppner tallied a double-double, pulling down 10 rebounds and also dished out three assists and tallied a block and a steal to fill out her stat line. Graaskamp also helped the Blugolds on the boards, recording nine on the night.

The Blugolds (2-4) will return to Zorn Arena Tuesday as they host St. Norbert College at 7 p.m. Follow the action on Blugold Game Day or on the 'UWEC Blugolds' app from your mobile device.