Box Score CROOKSTON, Minn.- The University of Minnesota, Crookston women's basketball team met up with Minot State in Lysaker Gymnasium for their first home NSIC matchup of the season. UMC (4-4, 1-3 NSIC) came out on top of Minot State (4-2, 2-2 NSIC) 66-46 after a dominating first half in which they shot 42.4 percent from the field and hit four three-pointers to get out to a 41-15 advantage at the break. The victory is the first in conference this season for the Golden Eagles.

Ashley Martell (So., G, Somerset, Wis.) was the night's standout, scoring the Golden Eagles a total of 15 points while tallying two steals and nine total rebounds for her team including shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Following Martell, Brittani Wiese (Sr., G, Albertville, Minn.) combined for a total of ten points and five rebounds for the Golden Eagles. Ebony Livingston (So., G, Minneapolis, Minn.) added 10 points and nine boards while Laurie Tyson (Sr., C, Rosemount, Minn.) chipped in eight points and nine boards and Katrina Moenkedick (Fr., F, Perham, Minn.) added nine points.

The Golden Eagles started the game on fire, going on a 15-0 point run in the first five minutes. Minot State was finally able to end the run when Sacarra Molina sunk the first layup for the Beavers. Livingston led the Golden Eagles during the first half, scoring ten points and snatching up eight rebounds. The Golden Eagles were able to utilize the Minot State fouls, shooting 11-of-17 at the line and outscore the Beaver offense 41-15 in the first half.

Minot State battled back in the second half, cutting the Golden Eagle lead to just 20. Francesca DeAngelis was the top scorer for Minot State, tallying ten points from the paint and a total of thirteen overall. Lauren Safranski was also a healthy contributor for the Beavers, tallying a total of eight points, one assist and one rebound. Although the Beavers were able to outscore the Golden Eagles 31-25 in the second half, it wasn't enough to recover from the Golden Eagle's explosive first half.

A pair of Golden Eagle players are closing in on major accomplishments after the Minot State game. Wiese needs only four more points to become the seventh member of the 1,000-point club joining Jamie Zelinsky, Karna Plaine, Kari Score, Steph Mayclin, Jess Forsline and Bri Zabel. Fellow senior Tyson, is also closing in on a major mark. The center needs just 16 rebounds to tie and 17 to pass Kari Score's school-record 572 rebounds.

The Golden Eagles return to Lysaker Gymnasium Sat., Dec. 15 to take on the University of Mary Marauders. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m., followed by the UMC men's game at 6 p.m.

For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics Web site at www.goldeneaglesports.com.

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The University of Minnesota, Crookston is an NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate    Horse Show Association (IHSA).