WAUKESHA, Wis. - Brittney Wald (Antigo, Wis.) had a game-high 22 points, six steals and two assists but it wasn't enough as the Carroll University women's basketball team lost to fourth-place Augustana College 72-51 in a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin game at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers, who were promoting breast cancer awareness with their "Think Pink Game",  trailed 29-21 at halftime before being outscored 21-9 in what proved to be a decisive third quarter.
It was a warrior-esque effort by Wald, who scored 14 points in the fourth quarter en route to playing a team-high 38 minutes.
"This game really put it in perspective that we have the ability to fight and control the outcome when we step on the court whereas on a much larger scale so many people are fighting for their lives and never get that chance," said Wald, a 5-foot-6 junior point guard who entered the contest averaging a team-high 16.2 points per game. "Our whole game plan centered around working hard and fighting each step of the way to honor their fight and struggles to survive.
"Team-wise, we really continue to make progress and played some of our best basketball in stretches today. It was all about coming together as a family and competing for a greater cause. Looking back, it was an honor to be a part of such a meaningful day."
Junior forward Morgan Lund (Mondovi, Wis.) contributed 11 points and sophomore guard Sara Hartl (Racine, Wis.) had eight points for Carroll, which made five 3-point baskets, 8 of 15 free throws and shot 38 percent from field-goal range. Freshman guard Caylee Koker (Kenosha, Wis.) added six points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals for the Pioneers, who continued their positive rebuilding process by forcing 27 turnovers.
It was the ninth consecutive loss for Carroll, which dropped to 1-12 in the conference standings and 1-20 overall.
Carroll first-year head coach Lindsay Schultz was proud of how her young, determined squad battled throughout the special event - perfectly capturing the essence of the day.
"Coming into this game, we were really able to take some time and talk about what this meant to the program and those who have been touched by breast cancer," said Schultz, whose team showed glimpses of its potential as it trailed 15-13 at the end of the first quarter. "We really wanted the players to understand what it was all about and the fight it takes to deal with the disease on a daily basis. 
"That said, I was so proud of how we placed an emphasis on the importance of the fight. Even though our battle was only for 40 minutes, it really hit home with our players and taught a great lesson. It was just a special experience."
Senior 6-foot-5 center Kaycee Kallenbeger scored a team-high 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds for Augustana, which improved to 9-5 in conference and 16-7 overall. Senior guard Mikayla Fallon and junior guard Victoria Allen each had eight points for the Vikings, who converted seven 3-pointers, 9 of 13 free throws and shot 47.5 percent from the field.
Augustana, which maintained a 43-25 rebound advantage, scored 40 points in the paint.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: The Carroll University women's basketball team lost to fourth-place Augustana College 72-51 in a College Conference of Illinois-Wisconsin game at Van Male Field House on Saturday afternoon.
Scoring Leaders: Brittney Wald (22 points), Morgan Lund (11 points), Sara Hartl (8 points), Caylee Koker (6 points)
Notable: The Pioneers trailed 29-21 at halftime but were outscored 21-9 in what became a decisive third quarter.