Blugolds hold on late, trip up UW-Superior

Sally Linzmeier had a game-high 28 points for UW-Superior.

Box Score

Eau Claire 64, Superior 59

Facing the UW-Eau Claire Blugolds is never an easy task. Playing them at Zorn Arena is even tougher. And the challenge proved to be too difficult for the UW-Superior women's basketball team Wednesday evening.

Despite a game-high 28 points from Sally Linzmeier (Valders, Wis./Valders), the Blugolds had three players score in double-figures and held on to down the Yellowjackets 64-59 in Eau Claire.

The loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Yellowjackets, who dropped to 15-6 overall and 9-3 in WIAC conference action. UW-Eau Claire meanwhile improved to 12-8 overall and 7-4 in league play.

UW-Eau Claire started fast in the opening minutes, jumping out to a 17-8 lead after a jump shot by Kristin Sahr with 13:00 remaining in the first half.

Four straight points from Linzmeier brought UW-Superior to within 17-13 before Teenie Lichtfuss connected on a three-pointer and two straight free throws to up the margin to 26-15 at the 6:08 mark of the opening frame.

UW-Eau Claire continued to lead by double-figures until consecutive three-point shots from Allyssa Lindberg (Marquette, Mich./Marquette) and Dana Karlstad (Eleva, Wis./Eleva-Strum) in the final 1:49 trimmed the deficit to 33-28 at the intermission.

The Yellowjackets continued their burst early in the second half when Brynn Liljander (Isanti, Minn./Cambridge-Isanti) knocked down a three and Linzmeier converted a layup and free throw to give UW-Superior a 34-33 edge with 17:48 remaining in regulation.

But the Blugolds went on a 13-1 run over the next four minutes to take a 46-36 cushion after a layup by Abby Midtlien with 13:48 left in the second half.

With the score 52-44, UW-Superior scored eight straight points behind another three by Liljander, a three-point play by Linzmeier and a jumper by Grace Kennedy (Wausau, Wis./Newman Catholic) to even matters 52-52 with 6:17 remaining on the clock.

UW-Eau Claire took the lead for good however with 4:47 left on two free throws by Courtney Lewis before two more foul shots from Ellen Blacklock gave the Blugolds a 56-52 cushion at the 4:23 mark.

The Yellowjackets never got closer than two points the rest of the way as UW-Eau Claire connected on 17-of-18 free throws for the game.

Along with Linzmeier's 28 points, UW-Superior got nine points from Liljander and seven points from Carmen Watson (Milwaukee, Wis./James Madison).

Lichtfuss finished with 16 points for the Blugolds.

UW-Superior returns home to face UW-LaCrosse on Saturday. Opening tipoff from the Mertz is scheduled for 3 p.m. The game can be heard on tape-delay starting at 5 p.m. on 91.3 FM with Matt Johnson on the call.

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Players Mentioned

#22 Dana Karlstad: G; 5' 8"; Junior

#2 Grace Kennedy: F; 5' 10"; Junior

#1 Brynn Liljander: G; 5' 8"; Sophomore

#23 Allyssa Lindberg: F; 5' 11"; Junior

#33 Sally Linzmeier: G; 5' 7"; Senior

#53 Carmen Watson: F; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#22 Dana Karlstad
: 5' 8"; Junior
: G

#2 Grace Kennedy
: 5' 10"; Junior
: F

#1 Brynn Liljander
: 5' 8"; Sophomore
: G

#23 Allyssa Lindberg
: 5' 11"; Junior
: F

#33 Sally Linzmeier
: 5' 7"; Senior
: G

#53 Carmen Watson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: F