Eau Claire 76, Yellowjackets 38
Box Score

In sports, there are those nights when things just don't go right.  That was the case for the Yellowjacket women's basketball team as they traveled to Eau Claire to take on the WIAC-leading Blugolds on Wednesday night.  Cold shooting from the outset put the Yellowjackets in a deep hole that they couldn't get out of and they fell 76-38 at Zorn Gymnasium.

The Yellowjackets struggled from everywhere on the floor in the game, shooting just 23.2% (19.4% in the first half) while going 0-13 from three-point range and hitting just 50% of their free throws.  Add in 21 turnovers and it was a recipe for disaster for the visitors.

It was all Blugolds early, as they built a ten-point lead before the game was barely three minutes old.  They kept their foot on the gas and built a comfortable 40-18 lead at the half.  The bright spot for the Yellowjackets came in the form of freshman Sally Linzmeier (Valders, Wis./Valders), who scored 12 points in the opening frame.  The second half provided more of the same, despite improved shooting by the Yellowjackets.  The Blugolds continued to pour in the points, closing the game on a 10-0 run and enjoying their biggest lead of the night at the final buzzer.

Linzmeier finished with 15 points to lead the Yellowjackets.  She also had team-highs in assists (2), blocks (1) and steals (4).  Vanessa Lebens (Shoreview, Minn./Roseville Area) had a team-high seven rebounds.

Callie Halama led the Blugolds with 15 points, one of four players to score in double figures.  Ellen Plendl added 14 and Nicole Christianson 13 for Eau Claire (8-2, 4-0 WIAC). 

The Yellowjackets (4-5, 1-3 WIAC) will look to bounce back and close out the first half on a positive note when they host St. Scholastica on Saturday, December 17 at Mertz Morotorelli Gym.  Opening tip-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.  The game will be broadcast live through the iFan Sports Network.