(Crookston, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston squared off in non-conference action against U of M, constituent Duluth in Lysaker Gymnasium tonight. After a first half that saw the Golden Eagles ahead by eight, the second half came down to the wire as the Bulldogs came back from a 12-point deficit to defeat the Golden Eagles 80-77. Turnovers were the difference maker as the Golden Eagles committed 26 to the Bulldogs 12.
The first half was a perimeter game for both the Golden Eagles and the Bulldogs. Both teams shot a combined 11 for 31 from behind the three-point line. The Golden Eagles were an impressive seven for 13 from range (53.6 percent) which played in the Golden Eagles favor as they led the Bulldogs 45-33 at half. Gina Jaroszewski (Fr., F, Moorhead, Minn.) and Jamie Zelinsky (Fr., G, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) both had 13 points at the half. Both players hit three shots from behind the arc. Jaroszewski added seven rebounds in the half. Diana Taddy (Fr., G, Two Rivers, Wis.) also played a stellar first half scoring four points, dishing six assists and stealing three passes. Duluth’s Katy Freeman led the Bulldogs with nine points and added an assist and a steal.
The Golden Eagles controlled the momentum through the first 30 minutes of second half play. The Bulldogs controlled the last 10 minutes however and climbed out of a 10 point hole and took the lead with 3:42 remaining and held on to the victory. Four Golden Eagle starters scored double-digits in points with Jamie Zelinsky scoring her career best 27. Zelinsky also finished with six rebounds, four assists, one block and a steal. Gina Jaroszewski finished the night with a double-double scoring 13 and grabbing 13 rebounds. She added to blocks two blocks in her effort. Katie Cheline (Soph., F, Mondovi, Wis.) scored 10 in the second half bringing her game total to 16. Cheline’s hard work in the post allowed her to rebound seven shots. Diana Taddy finished her solid night scoring 10 points, dishing seven assists and stealing four passes.
The Bulldogs used 23 points off of Golden Eagle turnovers to earn the victory. Leading the comeback for the Bulldogs was Katy Freeman who finished with 21points, four rebounds, four steals and two assists. Venessa Ostegaard contributed 15 points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal for Minnesota Duluth.
Tonight’s loss takes the Golden Eagles to 4-7 overall, while the Bulldogs improve to 2-6. The Golden Eagles are set to take on the Huskies of St. Cloud State University December 16, at 7:00 pm in St. Cloud, Minn.
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com
The University of Minnesota, Crookston is a NCAA Division II Institution and a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Golden Eagle Hockey is a member of the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association (MCHA). The Golden Eagle Equestrian team is a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA).
(Story written by Matt Scheerer, Sports Information Intern)
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