EAU CLAIRE, Wis. — the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's basketball team fell to Ripon, 78-73, in a tightly contested game at the Sonnentag Event Center on Sunday, wrapping up the Blugold Tip Off Tournament. Eau Claire led by as much as 10 points in the third quarter but was unable to maintain the lead as Ripon surged with a 28-point final quarter. Despite forcing 23 turnovers and recording 12 steals, the Blugolds struggled with second-chance opportunities, managing only 4 points in that category compared to Ripon's 15.
The opening quarter saw a competitive start between the UWEC and Ripon, with both teams exchanging early leads.
Olivia Witkowski initiated scoring for UW-Eau Claire with a layup and subsequent free throw at 8:26, giving the home team an early advantage. However, Ripon responded with a 3-pointer, assisted by Laney Havlovitz, to tie the score at 5-5. As the quarter progressed, Ripon gained momentum with a timely 3-pointer at 5:40 and consistent presence in the paint, helping them close the quarter with a 16-11 lead. Turnovers were a concern for the Blugolds, as they committed nine, impacting their ability to maintain consistent offensive pressure.
Ripon took an early lead in the second quarter with a layup at 9:08, extending their advantage. UWEC responded with a 3-pointer from
Kyla Overskei at 7:38 to tie the score at 18. The Red Hawks quickly reclaimed the lead with a 3-pointer at 7:31, followed by a fast-break layup at 7:06. Despite several turnovers from both teams,
Reanna Hutchinson's 3-pointer at 4:20 brought UWEC within four points. The quarter concluded with Ripon narrowly ahead, as a layup at 1:21 helped them maintain a 32-28 lead at the half.
Kyla Overskei's clutch 3-pointer with 25 seconds remaining capped a strong third-quarter performance for the Blugolds, who outscored Ripon 27-18 in the frame. Overskei scored 12 points in the period, including three 3-pointers, helping the home team to a narrow lead. With the score tied at 50,
Olivia Witkowski secured a defensive rebound and assisted on Overskei's go-ahead shot.
Reanna Hutchinson's defensive rebound in the final seconds led to Witkowski's fastbreak layup, sealing the third quarter with a 55-50 lead.
The final quarter saw Ripon College edge out UW-Eau Claire with a 28-18 advantage, securing a 78-73 victory.
Britta DeMar opened the quarter for the Blugolds with a layup at 9:48, assisted by
Delaney Nyenhuis, extending their lead to 57-50. However, Ripon responded with a series of key plays from. An offensive rebound and tip-in at 2:32, along with crucial free throws in the closing seconds, were pivotal in Ripon's victory. Despite a late 3-pointer by
Reanna Hutchinson for UW-Eau Claire, Ripon maintained control to close out the game.
Kyla Overskei posted a strong performance, scoring 25 points with five 3-pointers and making all eight free throws.
Reanna Hutchinson added 12 points, converting two 3-pointers and recording six steals.
Britta DeMar finished with 11 points and provided three assists.
Delaney Nyenhuis contributed defensively with nine rebounds and two blocks.
UW-Eau Claire stands at 1-1 overall. Ripon holds a 2-0 overall record.
In their next game, the Blugolds will face off against the College of Saint Benedict on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The game is set for 7 p.m. at Claire Lynch Hall in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
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