La Crosse, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's basketball team earned a 62-44 victory over UW-Eau Claire Saturday afternoon in Mitchell Hall. The Eagles improve to 13-10 overall and 7-5 in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) while the Blugolds drop to 12-11 overall and 6-6 in the conference.  With the win, UWL sweept the regular season with UW-Eau Claire for the first time since 1986-87.  The Eagles earned a 64-55 victory earlier (January 11) in Eau Claire. 

UWL picked up a 63-47 win in Eau Claire January 15, 1987 and 70-56 in La Crosse February 4, 1987. 

Both teams led by as many as four points in the first quarter Saturday before UWL took a 16-15 lead at the end of the quarter on a Elise DeNoyer layup with :35 remaining. The Blugolds took a 22-21 lead with 4:06 left in the second quarter on a Anna Graaskamp jumper, but the Eagles finished the half on a 7-0 run to lead 28-22. 

UWL opened the second half on a 11-2 run to lead 39-24 with 4:04 remaining in the third quarter. The Eagles led 44-28 when Bree Meier hit back-to-back three-pointers for the Blugolds to cut the lead to 44-34 after three quarters.  UWL started the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run to lead 58-36 with 2:46 remaining. UW-Eau Claire could get no closer than 16 points the rest of the game. 

UWL shot 46.0% from the field, including 37.5% (nine-of-24) from three-point range, and 70.0% (seven-of-10) at the free throw line.  Alyssa Clemment tied her career-high with 17 points, going six-of-eight from the field, including five-of-seven from three-point range. She also had 17 points against UW-Eau Claire January 11. 

"This was a great team win for us," said UWL head coach Karen Middleton. "Our defense once again made a huge difference for us and Alyssa (Clemment) shot the ball exceptionally." 

MaKenzie Miller finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks Saturday while DeNoyer totaled nine points, eight rebounds and four assists. 

"We shared the ball well and finished with 15 assists (23 field goals)," added Middleton.  "I am proud of our team, the progress we are making, and how we continue to improve. There are great things ahead for our Eagles."

UW-Eau Claire shot 31.5% from the field, including 26.7% (four-of-15) from three-point range, and 66.7% (six-of-nine) at the line. Graaskamp led the Blugolds with 17 points while Arien Brennan and Meier each finished with eight points. Brennan also had a team-high eight rebounds. 

UWL outrebounded UW-Eau Claire, 41-26. 

UWL returns to action Wednesday, February 15 at UW-Stout at 7 p.m.