Box Score (Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team returned to Lysaker Gymnasium tonight after two weeks on the road to face No. 3 ranked Wayne State College. The Wildcats defeated the Golden Eagles 66-37 on December 18 in Wayne, Neb. At the 12:40 mark of the second half it looked as though the result would be the same as WSC went up by 31 points. From that point on, the Golden Eagles battled and went on a 32-13 run to get within 12 points of Wayne State but time expired on the comeback and Wildcats took the 79-67 victory and secured the NSIC regular season title.
 
The Golden Eagles were led tonight by freshman Kenzie Church (F, 5-10, Fr, Fairmount, N.D.) who tied a team-high with 13 points. She was 5-8 from the field and 3-4 from long range. Ashley Martell (G, 5-8, Fr, Somerset, Wis.) matched Church with 13 points in 32 minutes of play. She also earned most of her points from beyond the arc going 3-6. Megan Eul (F, 5-10, Sr, Rosemount, Minn.) earned her fifth double-double of the season scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, Jr, Rosemount, Minn.) added 10 rebounds including five offensive boards and a team-high four steals. The Golden Eagle defense that allowed 48 points in the first half, responded in the second half holding Wayne to just 31 points and 28% (6-21) shooting from the field. The defense also grabbed a season-high 19 offensive rebounds in the game and turned them into 18 second chance points.
 
Wayne State was led by Ashley Arlen who scored a game-high 19 points. She was only 3-9 from the field but was 11-12 from the charity stripe. Ashton Yossi added 18 points while Ellen Hansen put in 12 points and 11 rebounds. Wayne took advantage of 22 Golden Eagle turnovers turning them into 22 points
 
Minnesota, Crookston moves to 9-16 on the season and 6-15 in the NSIC. Wayne State advances to 25-2 overall and 19-2 in conference play. The Golden Eagles close out the 2011-12 season tomorrow when they host Augustana College. Game time is set for 4 p.m. and the seniors will be recognized between the women's and men's game.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.   
 
Follow the Golden Eagles on Facebook at Golden Eagle Sports and on Twitter at @UMCAthletics.
 
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).
 
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