MADISON, Wis. – The Edgewood University women's basketball team opened play in the Todd Wehr Edgedome in 2026 with a victory over Aurora University. The Eagles shot over 40 percent in three quarters and held the Spartans to just 26. 8 percent shooting in a 68-63 victory. The Eagles improve to 6-1 in NACC play behind three players in double-digit scoring.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Edgewood University (7-7, 6-1 NACC) didn't waste any time on Saturday, opening with an 8-0 lead. Grace Vesperman posted a clutch three-pointer to open the contest. Sophia Guerrero was unstoppable early on, scoring a layup and three-pointer to help the Eagles to an 8-0 lead through the first three minutes. Aurora University (11-3, 5-2 NACC) responded with seven straight points, but the Eagles consistent attack gave them an 18-14 advantage through the first 10 minutes.
- The Spartans outscored the Eagles 16-13 in a scrappy second quarter that featured eight turnovers and four lead changes. Edgewood University shot the ball more consistently, at a 44.4 percent (4-for-9) clip, while the Spartans capitalized on the long ball, making four from beyond the arc in the second quarter. In the end, the Eagles led 31-30 going into halftime.
- The third quarter was more of a back-and-forth affair. The Eagles and Spartans saw six lead changes and seven tie scores after the break. Edgewood University shot a game-high 60 percent (6-for-10) from the floor and 6-for-8 from the charity stripe. Ava Berg was most consistent for the Eagles, scoring six points in the third quarter, including four from the charity stripe. The Eagles consistent shooting in the third quarter gave them a 49-45 lead going into the final quarter.
- Kate Gunderson put the Eagles on her shoulders in the fourth quarter, scoring a whopping 12 points in the final 10 minutes. The senior opened the quarter with three-straight points to solidify a seven-point (52-45) lead for the Eagles. Taylor Wollin locked down the victory in the final minute, making five three-throws for the five-point victory.
TOP PERFORMERS
- Gunderson led the Eagles with 15 points, going 5-for-8 from the floor in just 19 minutes. The senior added seven rebounds.
- Berg and Laci Lindsey each posted 10 points on Saturday.
- Wollin did a bit of everything for the Eagles, pulling down nine rebounds, scoring nine points, and dishing out four assists.
- Vesperman was key on defense for the Eagles, posting four steals.
THE OPPOSITION
- Riley Doggett led the Spartans with 19 points. Krystyna Manzanarez (15 points), Dani Antione (10 points), and Alina Anderson (10 points) also scored in double-digits.
- Doggett and Manzanarez both pulled down six rebounds on Saturday.
- Antione dished out a team-high four assists.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Eagles are now 18-12 all-time versus the Spartans. Saturday's win is the first over Aurora under head coach Kole Vivian.
- Gunderson led the Eagles with a career-best 15 points on Saturday.
UP NEXT
- Edgewood University will host MSOE on Wednesday. Action is set for 7:00 p.m. from the Todd Wehr Edgedome.
