HANCOCK, Mich. -- Sophomore
Elise Besonen (Ewen, Mich./Ewen-Trout Creek) hit a layup with two seconds remaining to lift the UW-Superior women's basketball team to a season-opening 69-68 victory over Finlandia at Paavo Nurmi Center on Tuesday.
After a timeout, Finlandia's Elli Djerf turned the ball over as the clock ran out, giving the Yellowjackets a win in their season opener for the first time in a full-length season since beating Carthage, 72-71, on Nov. 16, 2018 in the St. Norbert College Classic. The win, which snapped a three-game losing streak against the Lions, also marked the first in the coaching debut of interim head coach
Emily Carpenter.
Senior guard
Kaelyn Christian (St. Michael, Minn./St. Michael-Albertville Senior) led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 7-of-16 from the field and 4-for-9 from 3-point range. Besonen added 11 points with four assists, three rebounds and two steals. As a team UWS shot nearly 45 percent from the floor and 47 percent from distance.
Superior held a 61-56 lead on a jumper by sophomore
Chloe Peterson (Hutchinson, Minn./Hutchinson) with 6:24 to play before Finlandia used a 6-1 run to tie the game, 62-62 with less than four minutes to play. Peterson then hit a 3-pointer for a 65-62 advantage prior to Natalie Bartle scoring the next four for a 66-65 Lions' edge. Christian and Finlandia's Katie Lundeen traded baskets with less than 30 seconds remaining, setting the stage for the game winner from Besonen.
The 'Jackets held a 38-34 lead at the half on the strength of 55 percent shooting the in the second quarter, connecting on 10-of-18 attempts.
UWS had a 41-34 rebounding advantage in the game with senior
Mady Sanders (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) grabbing a game-high nine, including six on the defensive glass.
The Lions landed three players in double figures led by Lundeen with 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting. Bartle had 14 points, seven assists and five steals while Casana Ryynanen had 11 points, three rebounds and two steals.
The Yellowjackets are back in action on Tuesday in their home opener against St. Scholastica. Game time is set for7 p.m. at Mertz Mortorelli Gymnasium.
