SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (UWECBlugolds.com) - The UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team demonstrated its power by crushing the College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio) 79-38 on the first day of the Wittenberg University Classic.

The Blugolds took control from the start, never letting the Lions take possession of the lead. Two successful shots from Ellen Plendl (Jr.-Chippewa Falls, Wis./McDonell) in the first two minutes opened the Blugolds' offensive endeavor and by halftime Eau Claire boasted a 26-point lead.

Eau Claire continued its dash past the Lions in the second. Emily Miller (Fr.-Chatfield, Minn.) made a layup at with 11:02 remaining in the game to give the Blugolds a 40-point advantage for the first time all day and Eau Claire opened up a lead as high as 43 points in the final three minutes of play. In the end, the Blugolds held on to win by 41 points with a final score of 79-38.

Miller racked up a total of 14 points throughout the forty minutes, while Plendl and Sarah Bingea (So.-Delano, Minn.) added 13 and 12 respective points. Plendl also led the team in rebounds, collecting eight to lead the two teams. 

En route to the victory, the Blugolds took advantage of the opportunities they were presented. Eau Claire converted turnovers into 22 points compared to the Lions' seven. The Blugold bench also contributed significantly to the win, putting up 41 points on the scoreboard.

The big win is the Blugolds' third straight and leaves Eau Claire with a 7-4 overall record. Tomorrow, the Blugolds will close out the classic with a game against Hanover (Ind.). Game time is set for noon (Eastern).