EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The No. 3-ranked Wartburg women's basketball team opened its 2019-20 season Friday evening at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Classic, downing the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse 72-62. 

A balanced scoring effort along with a 10-of-20 three-point field goal shooting output helped lead the Orange & Black past UW-La Crosse, leading throughout the contest.

Three Knights scored in double figures, led by 13 points from Ally Conrad. Amanda Brainerd added 12, followed by 10 from Tori Hazard. Wartburg also tallied 72 points off the bench, with nine Knights total contributing in the scoring column. Emma Gerdes recorded a team-high seven assists and six rebounds. 

Wartburg got off to a nice start, outscoring the Eagles 23-12 in the first half. UWL fought back in the second frame to trim the Knights' lead to six as they led 38-32 at the break. 

UW-La Crosse opened the second half with a 9-5 advantage to come within two points and closed out the third quarter with a three-pointer to cap off a 10-2 run to trail 52-51 heading into the final 10 minutes. However, Wartburg opened the fourth with three-straight baskets and maintained a lead throughout. 

Up Next
Wartburg (1-0) concludes competition at the UW-Eau Claire Classic tomorrow, facing UWEC at 5 p.m.