Defensive battle downs Blue Devils in fourth quarter vs Whitewater

UW-Whitewater 66, UW-Stout 55 | Photo Gallery | Archived Video

MENOMONIE (February 13, 2016) - In a game you could describe as a chess match, was downed by No. 19 Whitewater on Alumni Day. The Blue Devils made a late game push to get to as close as nine points, but they fell to the Warhawks 66-55. Sarah Schoch led the Blue Devils with 14 points, three rebounds and one assist.

The first two quarters were neck and neck, both teams played great defense. Whitewater (19-4, 8-4 WIAC) was held to 38 percent shooting and Stout (9-14, 3-9 WIAC) was held to 27 percent shooting.

Stout could not find a lead in the game, but fought as if they had one. In the first quarter, Jenna Goldsmith dropped in a layup that was assisted by Schoch to get to as close as one point, but the Warhawks fired back and found themselves up at the end of the first quarter, 13-10. The second quarter played out in somewhat the same way, the two teams traded baskets and Stout was down at half again by three, 28-25.

In the third quarter, the Warhawks increased their lead by a few scores, but Stout kept fighting. Midway through the third, the Blue Devils found themselves in the bonus; Bailey Diersen and Shannan Watkins both sank free throws late in the third to keep Stout within six points.

The Warhawks went on a 9-0 run to open the fourth quarter, which ultimately downed the Blue Devils. Kyncaide Diedrich, Goldsmith and Watkins all made baskets in the fourth to bring the game to within nine points, but it wasn't enough.

Three players scored eight points for the Blue Devils, Watkins, Diedrich and Goldsmith. Goldsmith was also the leading rebounder for Stout, grabbing six.

The Warhawk's leading scorer was Lisa Palmer who had a double-double: 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Warhawks ultimately out-rebounded the Blue Devils 47-34.

Stout will make the short trip over to River Falls next Wednesday February 17, for a battle against the No. 15 ranked Falcons.