MOUNT VERNON, Iowa - Freshman guard Alyssa Cruz (West Allis, Wis.) registered her first collegiate double-double by finishing with 15 points, a team-high 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes to help lead the Carroll University women's basketball team to a 71-45 victory over Cornell College in the opening round of the Cornell Classic on Friday night.
It was the first victory of the season for Carroll, which improved to 1-1 overall.
The Pioneers showcased their balance and depth with nine players reaching the scoring column, including three in double figures.
Freshman guard Theresa Wichser (Waukesha, Wis.) also contributed 15 points with five baskets from 3-point range and two steals in 24 minutes to complete a dynamic 1-2 scoring punch for Carroll, which outscored Cornell 29-18 in the first half - including an 18-7 margin in what proved to be a decisive second quarter.
Sophomore forward Delaney Sjong (Salem, Wis.) followed with 10 points, six rebounds and a steal for the Pioneers, who converted nine 3-pointers, 16 of 32 free throws and shot 43.4 percent from field-goal range. Freshman center Celina Schwantes (Pewaukee, Wis.) chipped in nine points, sophomore guard Emily Majerus (Plymouth, Wis.) collected seven points with sophomore guard Mallory Olszak (Crete, Ill.) collecting six points, six rebounds and two steals.
Sophomore center Katie Rossetti (Wauconda, Ill.) scored four points and pulled down a team-best eight rebounds, freshman forward Kayla Stefka (Johnsburg, Ill.) had three points with sophomore center Amari Whittington (Kenosha, Wis.) adding two points and six rebounds for Carroll, which maintained a 50-37 rebound advantage and showcased its unselfishness by generating 19 assists.
Mo Kempiak scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds for Cornell, which dropped to 0-2 overall.