A strong performance from the free throw line and a solid rebounding advantage propelled the women’s basketball team past UW-La Crosse 58-46 Jan. 26 at the Kolf Sports Center. 

Senior Megan Wenig scored her 1,000th point of her career on a free throw during the game making her the 19th player in school history to reach that goal.

Wenig said she is delighted on her accomplishment, but having a successful season is more important.

“I am proud of the accomplishment, but in the scheme of things it's not nearly as important to me as the successful season that we are having this year,” Wenig said. “It definitely makes it more enjoyable that I reached it during a season where we are playing together well and having fun doing it.”

Wenig had a well rounded game as she contributed 19 points, three assists, three rebounds and three steals.

Wenig received some help from sophomore Katelyn Kuehl who tied a career-high 23 points and made 16-of-17 free throws while the team went an impressive 29 for 33 from the stripe.

Both teams struggled shooting from the field but the Titans were able to outscore the Eagles by 26 at the free-throw line.

Half of the Titans’ points were made on free throws in the first half. 

Senior Katie Kitzke gave the Titans an 8-4 lead early, however with 10 minutes left in the half the Eagles took the lead 17-13.

The Titans closed the first half strong with a Wenig three-point play, and by halftime the Titans were leading 30-21.

After three minutes into the second half, the Titans were ahead 35-21 and the lead never fell below nine points.

Oshkosh dominated the Eagles on the boards, out rebounding La Crosse 36-26.

Kuehl led the way for the Titans with seven rebounds and Heather Conroy contributed six more.

Kitzke said her team is very close this year and they all have a purpose to help this team reach its potential.      

“Every win feels great for us, we are experiencing something special together as a team and we are all very happy to be apart of it,” Kitzke said. “Everyone has a specific role on the team, and when we stick to doing that role it makes us successful.”

Senior Ashley Winterfeldt said this game was a great win especially since it was Alumni Day.

“Before the game on Saturday, some of the alum talked to us about when they played on the team here at UWO,” Winterfeldt said. “What they had to say was very motivational and made me proud to be a Titan.”

Wenig said the team is taking the season one game at a time while trying to stay prepared and healthy.

“In our conference you can't take any game for granted because any team can beat the other on any day, so it's important to stay focused on the upcoming game and executing the game plan,” Wenig said. “Also, it's the final stretch of the season, so doing anything to keep our bodies healthy is also important at this time.”

The Titans home game against UW-Eau Claire was scheduled for Wednesday but due to weather conditions it has been postponed until tonight. 

The Titans enter the game 8-2 in conference play while the Blugolds are 4-7 with Eau Claire winning the previous matchup 52-46.