UW-Whitewater, ranked second in both polls of NCAA Division III teams, fell to UW-Eau Claire, eighth and ninth, respectively in the polls, 71-50 at Zorn Arena in Eau Claire, Wisconsin Saturday night. 

box score

The twenty-one point loss is Whitewater's worst since UW-Stevens Point topped the Warhawks 86-57 December 7, 2005 in Point, a string of 79 games.  In addition, Whitewater's total of 50 points is the team's lowest since losing at UW-Stout 65-50 January 27, 2007, a span of 52 games.  Whitewater has had its two lowest scoring games of the season back-to-back, losing to UW-La Crosse 62-53 Wednesday.

Neither team could score in the first half, with Eau Claire leading 12-8 at the midway point in the period.  The Blugolds ended the half with a 12-4 run to lead 33-22 at intermission.

Whitewater had the margin at 42-35 on a Heidi Sonntag (Milwaukee/Wisconsin Lutheran) layup with 11:52 left in the game.  UW-EC's Pam Kaye followed with a three-pointer, and the Blugolds held a double digit lead the rest of the way.  The margin reached 23 points, twice in the last three minutes.

The Warhawks shot a season low 31% from the field, Eau Claire 41%.  Whitewater also committed 18 turnovers, Eau Claire 8. 

Sonntag led UW-W with 11 points, the second time this season she has been the team leader in that category.  Tiffany Morton (Beloit/Memorial) had a game high eleven rebounds.

Heather Witt scored 28 for EC to lead all scorers.  Heidi Arciszewski scored 13 and Pam Kaye 12.  Hannah Mesick pulled down seven boards for the Blugolds, and Missey Fremstad led both teams with five assists.

UW-W is 17-3 overall and 8-3 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.  UW-EC is 17-2 overall and 9-2 in league play.

Whitewater will host UW-Stout Saturday, February 7 at 3:00 in Kachel Gym of Williams Center.  Call 262-472-2222 for ticket information.

For additional information: Keri Carollo, UW-W coach