(Marshall, Minn.)- The University of Minnesota, Crookston Women's Basketball team opened the 2011 portion of the season in Marshall, Minn. tonight to take on the Mustangs in an NSIC match-up. The teams were tied at 31 at the half and finished the game with 13 tie scores and seven lead changes. The Golden Eagles and Mustangs were knotted up at 51 apiece with 6:59 remaining when Jacy Christenson (G, 5-9, Fr, Shoreview, Minn.) nailed a three-pointer to give UMC the lead for good and secure the 67-60 victory.
 
The Golden Eagles were led in the contest by Bri Zabel (F, 6-0, Sr, Northfield, Minn.) who tallied a team-high 17 points. She was 4-8 from the field and 8-10 from the free-throw line. Jamie Zelinsky (G, 5-11, Sr, Brooklyn Park, Minn.) earned her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 boards. Laurie Tyson (C, 6-1, So, Rosemount, Minn.) led all players with 12 rebounds and added eight points.
 
The Mustangs were led by Tori Fink who tallied a game-high 19 points and dished a game-high four assists. She was 8-15 from the field, 1-3 from long range and 2-3 from the free-throw line. Abby Kenealy followed Fink with 13 points.
 
Minnesota, Crookston moves to 5-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play. Southwest Minnesota State falls to 2-9 overall and 1-6 in the NSIC. The Golden Eagles return to the court tomorrow to take on the Mavericks of Minnesota State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Mankato, Minn.
 
For more information, visit the Golden Eagle Athletics website at: www.goldeneaglesports.com.  
 
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).

Photos: (Top Left)- Jacy Christenson, (Bottom Right)- Bri Zabel
 
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