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University of Wisconsin-Superior Athletics

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Wisconsin-Superior
Yellowjackets
Dana Karlstad
Jade Jensen

Women's Basketball

Yellowjackets Down Stout, Make History

Dana Karlstad's last-minute three secured a win for the Yellowjackets at Stout Wednesday.
Box Score

Yellowjackets 67, Stout 58

The past handful of years the Yellowjacket women's basketball team has been methodically improving. From qualifying for the WIAC post-season three seasons ago, to hosting and winning a playoff game two years ago, to enjoying a march to the conference title game last season, the Yellowjackets have steadily turned into one of the WIAC's elite programs. Wednesday night at UW-Stout, the Yellowjackets took things to a new level, and made history in the process.

As the second half wore on the Yellowjackets pulled away, and a three-pointer from Dana Karlstad (Eleva, Wis./Eleva-Strum) in the final minute put the game away as the Yellowjackets defeated the Blue Devils 67-58.

The win clinched a share of the WIAC championship for the Yellowjackets for the first time in school history, an ironic fate considering that the 2014-15 season is the final season in the WIAC for UW-Superior. The win also ensures that the Yellowjackets will enjoy a bye in the first round of the WIAC playoffs.

And coupled with Wednesday's UW-Oshkosh loss to UW-Whitewater, the Yellowjackets are now in sole possession of first place in the WIAC heading into the season's final days. With a win Saturday at UW-Stevens Point, or with a UW-Oshkosh loss to UW-Eau Claire, the Yellowjackets can clinch the school's first-ever WIAC title.

In the early going Wednesday, a share of the conference championship was anything but a sure thing. For starters, sophomore Brynn Liljander (Isanti, Minn./Cambridge-Isanti) took ill on the trip down to Menomonie and was unable to play, forcing Yellowjacket Head Coach Don Mulhern to juggle his starting lineup and employ a "point guard by committee" approach in the game. Secondly, the Blue Devils, who entered the game in the WIAC cellar, were not going to concede anything on this night.

The Yellowjackets jumped out to an early lead in the contest thanks to the one-person wrecking crew that is Sally Linzmeier (Valders, Wis./Valders). The senior guard scored the first eight points of the game for the Yellowjackets, but five minutes in the Yellowjackets trailed the Blue Devils 9-8. UW-Stout pushed the lead to five points, 15-10, but the Yellowjackets came roaring back and a Linzmeier layup gave them the lead back at 19-17. The Yellowjackets then built a five-point lead of their own, only to have the Blue Devils come back and again even the game at 31-31. A pair of Deandra Vavra (Cambridge, Minn./Cambridge-Isanti) free throws gave the Yellowjackets a late lead, but Stout scored the final bucket of the half and the teams went to the locker room deadlocked at 33-33.

A Sarah Schoch three gave the Blue Devils a lead to start the second half, but Vanessa Lebens (Roseville, Minn./Roseville Area) scored twice in 20 seconds to push the Yellowjackets ahead. Later the teams tied 39-39, marking the seventh time the teams were tied on the night. It would also mark the last time. Stout scored the next three points to take the lead, but moments later a Linzmeier layup gave the Yellowjackets a 43-42 lead with 15:01 to play. They wouldn't relinquish the advantage.

Over the next five minutes the Yellowjackets went on a 17-5 run to pull away, and a Karlstad jumper made it a 58-49 lead. Stout clawed its way back to within three at 58-55 with 6:45 remaining, but the Yellowjackets answered. A pair of Linzmeier free throws stopped the bleeding, and then the teams went three minutes without a basket. A Linzmeier jumper ended the drought, pushing the lead to seven, setting the stage for Karlstad's three in the final minute. The bucket pushed the lead to double figures and secured the historic win for the Yellowjackets.

Linzmeier led all scorers on the night, finishing with 21 points. She also led the team with eight rebounds and seven assists. Allyssa Lindberg (Marquette, Mich./Marquette) continued her hot shooting, dropping in 15 points. She was the only other Yellowjacket to hit double figures. She shot 3-of-9 from outside and 4-of-10 from the field, but was a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Karlstad finished the game with nine points and also had seven rebounds and tied for the team high with two steals.

Jenna Goldsmith and Katelynne Folkers led the Blue Devils with 16 and 13 points, respectively.

The Yellowjackets (18-6, 12-3 WIAC) close out the regular season Saturday, February 21 when they travel to UW-Stevens Point. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. and can be heard locally on 91.3 FM in Superior beginning at 5:00 p.m. Matt Johnson will be on the call.

Their first WIAC playoff game will be Friday, February 27 at The Mertz, with the opening tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. The opponent for that game is yet to be determined.
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Players Mentioned

Dana Karlstad

#22 Dana Karlstad

G
5' 8"
Junior
Vanessa Lebens

#44 Vanessa Lebens

F
6' 0"
Senior
Brynn Liljander

#1 Brynn Liljander

G
5' 8"
Sophomore
Allyssa Lindberg

#23 Allyssa Lindberg

F
5' 11"
Junior
Sally Linzmeier

#33 Sally Linzmeier

G
5' 7"
Senior
Deandra Vavra

#11 Deandra Vavra

G
5' 7"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Dana Karlstad

#22 Dana Karlstad

5' 8"
Junior
G
Vanessa Lebens

#44 Vanessa Lebens

6' 0"
Senior
F
Brynn Liljander

#1 Brynn Liljander

5' 8"
Sophomore
G
Allyssa Lindberg

#23 Allyssa Lindberg

5' 11"
Junior
F
Sally Linzmeier

#33 Sally Linzmeier

5' 7"
Senior
G
Deandra Vavra

#11 Deandra Vavra

5' 7"
Senior
G