RIVER FALLS, Wis. — The UW-River Falls Women's Basketball team was victorious over UW-Eau Claire, 65-57, en route to grabbing the team's first WIAC victory of the 2024-25 season.

Three Falcons scored in double-figures on the day, as UWRF improved its record to 9-5 overall and 1-2 in conference play. Today's game was a celebration of alumni day, as past members of the program attended Page Arena and were honored at halftime.

The game started with just over two minutes of scoreless basketball, before Mari Ryberg broke the scoreless tie with a layup. The Falcons closed the quarter on a 9-2 run and held UW-Eau Claire to 26.7% from the field to take a 16-9 lead at the first intermission.

UWRF pushed its lead to upwards of 12 points in the second quarter as a layup by Karleigh Creasey put the Falcons up 23-11 with 6:22 remaining. The Blugolds closed the first half on a 8-2 run, to cut UW-River Falls' lead to 30-28 at halftime. Olivia Hoerl led the Falcons with 11 points at the break, while Zoey Buchan grabbed five rebounds.

After an exchange of buckets right out of the halftime break, UWRF pushed its lead to upwards of nine points and went into the final quarter leading 46-39.

The Falcons shot 43.8% from the field in the fourth quarter and out-scored the Blugolds 19-18, securing a victory at Page Arena. UWRF opened the quarter on an 11-2 run, which pushed the lead to double-digits. UW-Eau Claire came as close as six points down the stretch, but UW-River Falls walked away victorious by a score of 65-57.

UWRF shot 24-56 (42.9%) from the field, while limiting UW-Eau Claire to 24-62 (38.7%) shooting. The Falcons capitalized off 30 points in the paint and 16 points off turnovers. 

Olivia Hoerl finished with a team-high 18 points, while Zoey Buchan (16) and Mari Ryberg (15) each scored in double figures — Ryberg's scoreline marked a new career high. Buchan's team-high nine rebounds tied her career best.

Up next, the Falcons will head back on the road for two consecutive WIAC away matchups. UWRF will face Stevens Point on Jan. 15 and Platteville on Jan. 18.