RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Dec. 15, 2007) – After outscoring the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the first half, the Northwestern College women's basketball team ran out of gas down the stretch, yielding 49 points to the host-Falcons in the second half before losing on a 72-63 account.

After shooting 31.6 percent in the first half, River Falls turned things around to shoot an astounding 65.4 percent in the second 20 minutes to average 51.1 percent for the game. Northwestern countered with a consistent 40.4 percent on 21-of-52 shooting, but the Falcons' advantage in points in the paint (22-4) made up for the difference.

Ariel Liesch (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial) recorded 16 points for the third time in her last four games to lead Northwestern in scoring. Three other Eagles hit double digits in points including Nikki Doyle (Minnoka, Il/Minooka Community High School) (Minnoka, Ill./Minooka Community) (13), Kelly Zuleger (Cresco, IA/Crestwood High School) (Cresco, Iowa/Crestwood) (12) and Kaelee Kendrick (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) (Eagan, Minn./Bethany Academy) (10). 12 of Liesch's 16 points came on 3-pointers, as the sophomore went 4-of-9 from beyond the arc and 6-of-11 overall.

Caitlin Hunstock had 15 points to lead River Falls (5-5).

At 2-8 overall (1-0 UMAC), Northwestern will take a break over Christmas before returning to action on Jan. 2, when they travel two miles up Snelling Avenue to Bethel University. That game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.