Madison, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse women's basketball team opened the 2022-23 season with an exhibition at the University of Wisconsin Sunday night at the Kohl Center, falling 94-41. 
 

The Badgers made their first eight shots including four three-pointers to take an early 22-4 lead at the first media timeout with 4:26 remaining in the first quarter. Wisconsin held UWL scoreless the over the final four minutes to lead 34-4 at the end of the first quarter. Gabby Ritchie hit a three-pointer to open the second quarter to get the Eagles back on the scoreboard. After Wisconsin took a 44-9 lead with 4:10 left in the first half, the UWL went on a 13-4 run to trail 48-22 at the half. Ali Sprangers hit two three-pointers while Kailee Meeker scored five points to spark the run for the Eagles. 

The Eagles scored the first two points of the third quarter on a pair of free throws by Lauryn Milne, but the Badgers scored 16 unanswered to lead 64-24 with 5:50 left. UWL was held to eight points in the third quarter and trailed 78-30. Ritchie scored a layup to open the fourth quarter as the Eagles would score 14 points in the fourth quarter. 

UWL shot 27.6% (16-of-58), from the floor including 22.7% (five-of-22) from the three-point line. The Eagles shot 44.4% (four-of-nine) at the free throw line. Meeker led UWL with 12 points while Milne and Sprangers each finished with eight. Ritchie and Sprangers each totaled six rebounds to lead the Eagles. 

Wisconsin finished the contest shooting 53.5% (38-of-71) from the field, including 37.5% (nine-of-24) from the three-point line. The Badgers shot 69.2% (nine-of-13) at the line. Wisconsin finished with five players in double figures including Julie Pospisilova who finished with a game-high 21 points. Serah Williams led the Badgers with eight rebounds. 

UWL opens its regular season Tuesday, November 8 when it travels to New Ulm, Minnesota to play Martin Luther College. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.