La Crosse, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's basketball team earned a 73-63 victory over Luther College (Iowa) Tuesday night in Mitchell Hall in the season-opener for both teams. The Eagles avenged a loss in last year's opener at Luther (Iowa), which the Norse won by a score of 73-63. UWL now leads the all-time series, 19-10. Luther (Iowa) is receiving votes on the D3hoops.com Preseason Poll.
UWL's Karen Middleton, named the 15th head coach in school history June 21, picked up the win in her first game coaching the Eagles.
The Eagles never trailed in the game and got off to a fast start with Rachel Atchison scoring an early layup followed by a three-pointer to give UWL a 5-0 lead with 8:46 remaining in the first quarter. Later in the period, the Eagles went on 10-0 run capped by a Sydney Kannel jumper with 3:13 left to lead 20-7. Anna Madrigal hit a three-pointer for Luther (Iowa) to cut the lead to 20-10 after one quarter of play.
In the second quarter, UWL maintained its lead. Elise DeNoyer scored seven points in the period, including a three-point play with :02 left to give the Eagles a 41-30 halftime lead.
"I'm really proud of how we came out," said Middleton. "We knew Luther was a tough team and they were going to press us for 40 minutes. The start gave us some great confidence."
UWL opened the second half with an 11-2 run capped by an Atchison layup to make it 52-32 with 4:32 left in the third quarter. The Eagles led by 20 points after a MaKenzie Miller free throw made it 53-33 at the 4:10 mark, and held a 59-42 lead after three quarters.
Luther (Iowa) cut the lead to 61-54 with 5:05 remaining in the game after starting the fourth quarter on a 12-2 run. Consecutive baskets from Kannel pushed the lead back to 65-54 with 2:54 left, and after a Norse free throw, Kannel hit a three-pointer to put UWL up 68-55 at the 2:20 mark. The Eagles held on for the 10-point victory.
"That's huge moving forward and dealing with adversity and being able to settle in," said Middleton. "We were able to do that and that will help us as we move forward this week with some tough competition. I'm really proud of our effort and sticking to it."
UWL shot 55.3% from the field, including 60.0% (nine-of-15) from three-point range, and 70.6% (12-of-17) at the free throw line. Atchison led five players in doubles figures with 18 points and four steals, also adding three assists. DeNoyer and Sierra Watrud added 11 points each, while Kannel and Delaney Schoenenberger each finished with 10 for UWL. DeNoyer had a team-high nine rebounds and added three assists. Miller had three blocks.
"It's important to have that balance scoring," said Middleton. "We have to make sure we are moving the ball and sharing it and not settling for one pass and shot. We want to work it inside-out. The more we share it, the better we are going to be."
Luther (Iowa) shot 32.4% from the field, including 20.0% (five-of-25) from three-point range, and 57.1% (12-of-21) at the free throw line. Madrigal led the Norse with 18 points, two assists and two steals. Laura Hamilton added 10 points while Madilyn Heinke and Taylor Schuring each had a team-high six rebounds.
"They have done everything we've asked them to do," added Middleton. "They were so excited in the locker room after the game and that's what coaching is all about. This is game one of a journey that we have here. They are a great group and I'm happy for them. They have worked so hard and we'll keep moving forward."
UWL returns to action Friday, November 18 at the Cornell College (Iowa) Classic against Loras College (Iowa) at 8 p.m.