DUBUQUE, Iowa — The UW-River Falls Women's Basketball team secured a 2-0 record at the Paxton Classic in Dubuque, Iowa, defeating Dubuque 61-51 on Day 2 of the tournament.

The win improved UWRF's record on the season to 8-3. The win concluded the Falcons' 2024 non-conference slate — UW-River Falls has now won six out of its last seven games, with today's win marking the fourth straight victory.

The Falcons went 2-0 at the 2024 Paxton Classic, after defeating Loras on Day 1. At the conclusion of the tournament, UWRF's Olivia Hoerl and Zoey Buchan were named to the all-tournament team.

After falling behind early, the Falcons closed the first quarter on a 10-2 run that put UWRF up 15-11 after the first frame. Three-pointers on back-to-back possessions in the early stages of the second quarter saw UWRF extend its lead to 21-13 with 7:57 remaining in the first half. The Falcons shot 5-12 (41.7%) from the field in the second quarter and extended their lead to 30-22 at the halftime break. Zoey Buchan scored eight first-half points and Olivia Hoerl added six. The Falcons capitalized off six three-pointers in the first half.

In the second half, UWRF increased its lead to upwards of 12 points midway through the third quarter. The Spartans responded with a 6-0 run that helped trim the gap, with the Falcons leading 44-38 heading into the final frame.

UWRF pushed its lead to double-figures for the majority of the final quarter, along with shooting 6-15 (40%) from the field. The Falcons held off any late comeback, walking away with a 61-51 victory over Dubuque.

As a team, the Falcons finished 21-58 (36.2%) from the field and 10-32 (31.3%) from three-point range. UWRF forced 23 turnovers, which resulted in 14 points off turnovers.

Zoey Buchan led the way with a game-high 17 points, while Olivia Hoerl (14) and Olivia Miron (13) each finished with double-figures. Hoerl led the Falcons with seven rebounds, while Averie Varsho added five boards. Buchan recorded five steals, which is a career-best mark for the junior guard.

Up next, UWRF will return to action in the 2025 calendar year, opening up WIAC play on the road against UW-Whitewater on Jan. 4. The game is set to tip off at 3 p.m.