MENOMONIE (February 18, 2015) - UW-Stout's playoff hopes faded and UW-Superior could continue to dream of a conference title as the Yellowjackets pulled away slowly from Stout in the second half to capture a 67-59 win Wednesday at Johnson Fieldhouse. With the win, the Yellowjackets clinched at least a share of the WIAC title.

The first half was a tight affair, with no lead larger than five points at anytime before the intermission. Stout (6-18, 4-11 WIAC) took a 15-10 lead eight minutes into the game on back-to-back 3-pointers by Kyleigh Hebert (Jr, Spencer) and Sarah Schoch (So, Chippewa Falls). The Yellowjackets erased that lead and went on to a five points, 29-24 lead with just under four mintues remaining in the half.

Stout closed the gap on a 3-pointer by Becca Smith (So, Victoria, Minn) to pull to within 31-29. Jenna Goldsmith (So, St. Anthony, Minn)  drained a pair of free throws to tie the game at 1:25. Superior's Deandra Vavra gave the Yellowjackets a 33-31 lead with two free throws. Caitlin Coombs (Sr, Alma)  tied the score for Stout, grabbing a rebound and putting the ball into the bucket for a 33-33 halftime score.

Both teams held par to open the second half, but the Yellowjackets (18-6, 12-3 WIAC) went on a 10-3 run to open up a seven point, 52-45 lead at the 10:39 mark, then ran that out to a nine point lead before Stout it back on two free throws and a basket by Goldsmith. Stout got as close as three points, 58-55, with seven minutes remaining. The Yellowjackets outscored Stout 9-3 in the final 6-minutes, 27-seconds of the game.

With the win, and a two point loss by UW-Oshkosh to UW-Whitewater, the Yellowjackets clinched at least a share of the conference title in their final year as a member of the WIAC. The title is the first in school history. The Yellowjackets will move the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference next year.

The Yellowjackets' Sally Linzmeier led all scorers with 21 points. Linzmeier also had eight rebounds and seven assists. Allyssa Lindberg added 15 points.

Stout was led by Goldsmith with 16 points and seven rebounds. Katelynne Folkers (Sr, Fall Creek) added13 points. But Folkers, the team's leading rebounder, was limited to only one rebound. Stout dropped in eight 3-point shots,matching a season high. Folkers connected on two and Schoch added two.

Stout shot 33.9 percent (20-59) from the field, while the Yellowjackets hit 46.2 percent (24-52).  Superior held a 41-34 advantage off the boards.

The night was designated as Senior Night as Folkers, Coombs, Haley Froehlich (Mondovi), Nicki Alexander (Wabasha), Katie Nickles (Braham, Minn) and Brea Boomer (Grand Portage, Minn) played their final home game at Johnson Fieldhouse.

Stout will close out the season Saturday, Feb. 21 when they travel to UW-Whitewater to face the Warhawks at 3 p.m.