EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – The Carroll University women's basketball team wrapped up the Eau Claire Tournament Sunday afternoon, falling 79-61 to tournament host UW-Eau Claire inside the Sonnentag Event Center. The Pioneers used a strong second-quarter performance to cut a double-digit deficit to just four points at halftime, but a 30-point third quarter from the Blugolds proved to be the difference.
Carroll (0-2) faced an early deficit as UW-Eau Claire opened the game on an 11-0 run. Julia Lokker put the Pioneers on the board from the field with a three-pointer midway through the opening quarter, while Kacy Kratz added an and-one three-point play and Payton Hayes contributed a layup off the bench. The Blugolds maintained their advantage through the opening 10 minutes, taking a 21-9 lead into the second quarter.
The Pioneers responded with an impressive defensive effort in the second period, forcing 12 UW-Eau Claire turnovers while recording eight steals. Katie Barger helped spark the comeback with a steal and transition layup before adding a pair of free throws to bring Carroll within nine. Ryann Wendt added a pair of baskets in the closing minutes, and Lokker knocked down a three-pointer with 22 seconds remaining to cap a 19-11 quarter and send Carroll into halftime trailing just 32-28.
UW-Eau Claire came out firing in the third quarter, connecting on 12-of-17 field goal attempts, including four three-pointers, to regain control of the contest. The Blugolds outscored Carroll 30-12 in the period, extending their lead to 62-40 entering the final quarter.
Carroll continued to battle in the fourth quarter, putting together its highest-scoring period of the afternoon with 21 points. The Pioneers outscored UW-Eau Claire 21-17 over the final 10 minutes, but the Blugolds held on for the 79-61 victory.
Lokker led the Pioneers with a game-high 20 points, connecting on three three-pointers while adding seven rebounds and four steals. Barger recorded her second consecutive double-double, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds to go along with six assists and six steals. Wendt added 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting, while Kratz contributed eight points and two steals off the bench.
Carroll finished with 17 steals, forcing 24 UW-Eau Claire turnovers and converting those opportunities into 18 points. The Pioneers shot 36.5 percent from the floor and scored 36 points in the paint, while the Blugolds shot 52.6 percent and connected on 10 three-pointers. Macie Miller led UW-Eau Claire with 21 points, while Mary Berg added 16.
The Pioneers will return to action on Wednesday, November 11, when they travel to Mequon, Wis., to take on Concordia University Wisconsin. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. inside the R. John Buuck Field House.
