Jan. 17, 2008

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GREELEY, COLO. - A season-best 48 percent shooting from the field helped lead the University of Northern Colorado women's basketball team to a 71-57 victory over Eastern Washington for its second straight victory. The Bears even their season record at 8-8 and improve to 2-1 in Big Sky Conference play, matching their league win total from 2006-07. Eastern Washington falls to 3-15 overall and 0-5 in league play.

Freshman guard Kate Kevorken matched her career-high with 18 points, draining a career-best six three-pointers. Sophomore guard Chelsie Luhring also tallied a career-high with 12 points and senior center Danielle Hagen notched a season-high 15 points. Junior guard Jamie Schroeder was also in double figures in scoring with 13.

"We've been waiting for that out of Kate," said Head Coach Jaime White. "Chelsie did a great job, not only shooting, but she got some rebounds and hit some free throws. Hopefully we can keep their confidence going and keep this streak rolling."

Hagen led the team with eight rebounds and was one of three Bears with five assists in the game. Her five tie her for 10^th on the Northern Colorado career charts with 226 (Tonya Kluck, 1993-95). Both sophomore guard Lizzie Cooper and freshman guard Courtney Stoermer also had five assists in the game as the team notched a season-most 21. Hagen also notched two steals in the game.

"We've been working on where to pass the ball," said White. "A motion offense doesn't work without people who can pass the ball."

Eastern Washington was led by Amy Bratvold with 13 points, while Sydney Benson, Julie Piper and Nicole Scott each scored 10. Piper also led all players with 11 rebounds, eight on the offensive end of the floor. Jessica Huntington led the Eagles with five assists, while Tatjana Sparavalo had two steals and Scott added two blocked shots.

Northern Colorado scored the first 10 points of the game, five by Luhring and the Bears never looked back, leading by as many as 22 with 14:57 in the second half.

Tonight marked the third time this year the Bears have knocked down double figures in three-pointers, as they hit 12 and six different players connected on at least one. The Bears also went 11-for-13 from the free throw line.

Eastern Washington out-rebounded the Bears 36-32, with 17 off the offensive glass. Both teams committed 12 turnovers in the game, but the Bears led with 21 assists and the Eagles had nine.

Northern Colorado returns to the hardwood on Saturday afternoon against first-place Portland State. The game is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.