COLUMBUS, Ohio (Blugolds.com) – While the UW-Eau Claire women's basketball team trailed the entire first half, the Blugolds took a lead early in the second half but couldn't hold on as Capital University (Ohio) went on to defeat the Blugolds 62-54 in the Capital Center today.

Capital struck first and held the Blugolds scoreless over the first two minutes. Capital increased its lead steadily during the 10 minutes and held a nine point lead (17-8). But the Blugolds were able to get back into the game and trailed by just one point (27-26) by halftime.

In the second half, Teenie Lichtfuss (Fr.-Oshkosh, Wis./Lourdes) hit a three-point less than two minutes in to give the Blugolds their first lead of the day. But with over 16 minutes remaining, Capital took the lead for good. The Blugolds were held scoreless over a seven minute stretch as Capital took a 40-31 advantage.

After Capital got up by 13 with 2:30 left, the Blugolds used a 7-0 run to get within six but that was as close as Eau Claire would get as Capital handed the Blugolds their first loss since December 12.

Sarah Bingea (Sr.-Delano, Minn.) led the Blugolds with 18 points while Lichtfuss added 13. Bingea and two others led the team with six rebounds apiece.

Capital narrowly outshot the Blugolds from the field, 39 percent (23-for-59) to 38.6 percent (22-for-57). The Blugolds finished with four three-pointers while Capital had seven.

Eau Claire falls to 7-6 on the season while Capital improves to 9-3.

The Blugolds, who played their three games in Ohio, will be back in action Thursday when they take on UW-Stout in Menomonie. The game is part of a doubleheader with the men and it will get underway about 8 p.m.

-KM-