CHRISTENSEN BREAKS 16 YEAR-OLD NCAA RECORD
Julie Christensen, a senior guard for the Wisconsin Lutheran College Warriors, has broken the NCAA Division III record for most free throws made in a game. During the championship game of the annual Wisconsin Lutheran Tip-Off Tournament, Christensen went 26 of 29 from the line in a 64-56 victory over Carthage College [box score]. She finished the game with 28 points, scoring just two from the field.

According to the Official 2003 Women’s NCAA Basketball Records, the previous record for most free throws made in a game was jointly held by Mary Engel of New England College (New Hampshire) and Eileen Spear of the College of Mt. St. Vincent (New York), each shooting 23 of 27 from the line; Engle against Rivier College (New Hampshire) on Feb. 19, 1986 and Spear against Dowling College (New York) on Dec. 15, 1987. It is also interesting to note that the current Division I and Division II records for most free throws made in a regulation-time game currently stand at 23.

Christensen also tied the NCAA Division III record for most free throws attempted in a single game. She joins the current record holder Christina Hobson of Smith College (Massachusetts), who attempted 29 against Savannah College of Art and Design (Georgia) on Dec. 29, 1997.

Christensen, a 1999 Racine Park High School graduate, transferred to Wisconsin Lutheran last season after spending two years at Wright State. She is a Wisconsin Lutheran Presidential Scholar studying elementary and middle school education. She was a Lake Michigan Conference first-team selection last season and is the coaches’ pre-season pick for this season’s player of the year in the league. Christensen also received all-conference honors this fall as a member of the Warrior soccer team (goal keeper). She is the daughter of Jeffrey and Bonnie Christensen of Racine, Wis.

---Provided by Wisconsin Lutheran College Sports Information Department---

--November 23, 2002--