EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team defeated Lakeland University, 83-52, at the Sonnentag Event Center on Saturday to kick off their annual Tip Off Tournament. The home team capitalized on 34 Muskies turnovers, converting them into 43 points. The Blugolds' aggressive defense also registered 21 steals, contributing to a decisive victory. The hosts dominated the offensive glass with 28 rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points as fourteen different Blugolds registered a basket.
Eau Claire opened the first quarter with a pair of free throws from
Olivia Witkowski at 9:51, setting the tone for a strong start. Lakeland quickly responded with a layup for the Muskies, but the Blugolds capitalized on turnovers, scoring 13 points off Lakeland's 10 turnovers.
Reanna Hutchinson and
Britta DeMar contributed to an early lead with consecutive layups, and
Macie Miller's fast-break layup at 7:07 extended the advantage. A late layup by Witkowski at 0:06 sealed the quarter with UW-Eau Claire leading 22-13.
The Blugolds built on their lead in the second quarter, starting with
Olivia Witkowski's layup at 9:39 to make it 24-13. The home team continued to dominate with a strong 18-0 run, highlighted by
Reanna Hutchinson's two free throws at 6:58, extending the lead to 30-13.
Delaney Nyenhuis added to their momentum with two layups, the first assisted by
Kyla Overskei at 7:26. The Muskies managed to add six points to their total, but consistent defensive rebounds and strategic plays allowed UWEC to end the quarter ahead, 41-19.
UW-Eau Claire maintained their lead in the third quarter, highlighted by a strong defensive effort that included six steals and three blocks.
Delaney Nyenhuis contributed a key layup at 7:04, assisted by
Sophie Hafeman, and
Kyla Overskei added a layup shortly after to keep the momentum going.
Reanna Hutchinson capitalized on Alexis Johnson's turnover with a fast-break layup at 6:42, extending the lead. Despite Lakeland's attempts to close the gap, including a three-pointer from Alexis Johnson at 6:32, the Blugolds finished the quarter ahead, 61-35.
UWEC maintained their lead against the Muskies throughout the fourth quarter, securing an 83-52 victory.
Olivia Witkowski contributed significantly with a layup at 9:33 and two successful free throws at 8:09.
Kyla Overskei added two more points with a layup at 6:51, extending the home team's advantage.
Marin Wilson and
Karsyn Bauman capped off the scoring with a layup and a three-pointer, respectively, in the final minutes, ensuring a decisive win for the Blugolds.
Reanna Hutchinson scored 14 points, converting all four of her free throws and recording four steals.
Delaney Nyenhuis posted 13 points and collected a team-high 12 rebounds to earn her first career double-double, while also tallying four steals.
Olivia Witkowski added 13 points and secured seven rebounds, including four on the offensive end.
Macie Miller contributed with five assists and two steals.
Wis.-Eau Claire started their season with a 1-0 overall record. Lakeland begins their campaign with an 0-1 overall record.
Looking ahead, the Blugolds will host Ripon College on day two of the Tip Off Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 9 at The Sonnentag Event Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. CT.
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