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By Paul Lecker
MarshfieldAreaSports.com
MARSHFIELD – The University of Wisconsin-Marshfield/Wood County women’s basketball team will move on to the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference State Tournament after blasting UW-Fond du Lac 81-57 last Saturday in a WCC playoff game at the Marauder Gym.
The Marauders (13-7) won their fifth game in a row overall and won for the fourth time this season against Fond du Lac. UW-M/WC will play UW-Rock County in a state semifinal at the Just-A-Game Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. The state championship game is Sunday, Feb. 22, at noon. UW-Marathon County and UW-Marinette will play in the other semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m.
Allie Paitel had 15 points and eight rebounds, Carrie Stroetz came off the bench to score 14 points and grab eight rebounds, DeNecia Turner added 12 points, and Katie Meacham and Taylor Lynn each had 11 for the Marauders.
The win was very similar to how the Marauders have been playing for the last month, using a balanced offensive attack and strong defense.
Marshfield held Fond du Lac to 25 percent shooting from the field (18-for-71) and held a whopping 75-38 rebounding advantage. Five players for the Marauders had at least six rebounds.
“We have any number of players that can make baskets,” UW-Marshfield/Wood County coach Brent Ystad said. “In the last five games or so, we have three, four or five people in double digits. We have been taking high-quality shots.
During the regular season, the Marauders and Rock County split WCC games with each team winning on its home court.
The Marauders lost at Rock County 83-68 way back on Nov. 29 before pounding the Rattlers 63-39 at home just two weeks ago on Feb. 7. In the win, Meacham, Lynn and Paitel each scored 11 points, and Paige Newman added 10 for Marshfield.
“They do a great job using a 1-2-2 three-quarters court press and forcing a lot of turnovers,” Ystad said. “We have to be strong with our passes and bring the ball up with confidence. We have to be able to break their press and then we can use our power inside.”
Wisconsin Collegiate Conference Women’s Basketball State Tournament
Feb. 21-22, at Just-A-Game Fieldhouse, Wisconsin Dells
Semifinals, Feb. 21
UW-Marshfield/Wood County vs. UW-Rock County, 2 p.m.
UW-Marathon County vs. UW-Marinette, 4 p.m.
Championship, Feb. 22
Saturday’s winners, noon