WAUKESHA, Wis. - Theresa Wichser's long-range perimeter shooting took center stage.
Wichser, a 5-foot-2 freshman guard from Waukesha, Wis., scored a game-high 18 points, including three of her six baskets from 3-point range in the pressure-packed fourth quarter as the scrappy, young Carroll University women's basketball team defeated St. Norbert College 66-59 in a nonconference game at Van Male Field House on Thursday night.
It was the third home-court victory of the season for Carroll, which has won three of its last four and improved to 6-6 overall.
The victory took on added significance as it snapped the Pioneers' nine-game regular-season losing streak (10th overall) to St. Norbert dating back to Feb. 6, 2013.
Carroll trailed 33-16 at halftime but showcased its resilience by outscoring the Green Knights 50-26 over the course of the final 20 minutes - fueled by a key, momentum-shifting 26-5 run during the opening nine minutes of the fourth quarter.
Wichser was a force during the decisive scoring surge, making a long-range shot from the left side to tie the game 44-44 with 8:50 remaining and extending the lead to 53-49 with a second shot from the top of the key with 5:37 left.
"We had a really good talk in the locker room during halftime and made a point to come out with a lot of energy and rise up to the challenge,"said Wichser, who established a program record for 3-point attempts in a single game with 16. "That's when were were able to push through the situation, hit some big shots to eventually take the lead and finish off on a strong note to get the victory.
"Being down for most of the game, there was a lot of pressure to make the most of each possession so it was awesome to be able to work through it and take control down the stretch."
Freshman point guard Alyssa Cruz (West Allis, Wis.) registered a double-double by finishing with 12 points, 5 of 6 free throws, a team-best 10 assists, seven rebounds and two steals for Carroll, which equaled a program record by converting 11 3-pointers in the tough, physical contest between former longtime Midwest Conference rivals.
Cruz contributed seven points in the fourth quarter to complete an impressive 1-2 scoring punch, making two tension-filled free throws to take a 46-44 lead with 7:59 remaining.
"Being more of a second-half team, we really attempted to take charge by first asserting ourselves on the defensive end and making the stops," said Cruz, who showcased her versatility, unselfishness and valuable on-court awareness by finishing on a hard-driving layup down the middle of the lane to increase the margin to 50-46 with 6:52 left. " As that happened in the third quarter, we were able to take advantage of the momentum, make the most of the offensive opportunities and gradually get back into the game. After struggling in the first half, it was nice to be able to come back over the final two quarters, play well and redeem myself the rest of the way. 
"I've always been a pass first point guard so it was exciting to help set up my teammates for the open looks and contribute to the success."
Freshman forward Kayla Stefka (Johnsburg, Ill.) followed with 10 points, highlighted by two 3-pointers, and pulled down seven rebounds.
Sophomore point guard Emily Majerus (Plymouth, Wis.) contributed nine points with two 3-pointers, two rebounds, two steals and an assist for the Pioneers, who made 13 of 23 free throws, shot 36.2 percent from field-goal range, grabbed 16 offensive rebounds and forced 22 turnovers. Sophomore forward Katie Rossetti (Wauconda, Ill.) chipped in nine points, seven rebounds, two blocked shots, an assist and a steal. Freshman guard Sierra Grubor added seven points with 5 of 6 free throws, four steals, three rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot.
"It was a great way to close out the first semester and perfect example of how we've battled through the adversity this season," Carroll third-year head coach Lindsay Schultz, of the impressive, statement-making victory. "During the first half, things didn't go our way but we continued to work through the situation and came back. I love that about this team and how we demonstrated it once again over the course of the second half. Being a young team, we could've easily packed it in and folded when we were behind but instead continued to play together, focused on executing and rose to the occasion.
"To be able to come away with such a hard-fought victory over a long-time rival like St. Norbert was special."
Senior guard Christine Olijnyk scored a team-high 14 points and pulled down six rebounds for St. Norbert, which dropped to 2-8 overall. Junior forward Sarah Neumann and junior guard Macie Zurfluh each had 10 points for the Green Knights, who made five 3-pointers, 4 of 6 free throws and shot 38.5 percent from the field.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: The Carroll University women's basketball team defeated St. Norbert College 66-59 in a nonconference game at Van Male Field House on Thursday night.
Current Record: 6-6 overall
Scoring Leaders: Theresa Wichser (18 points) Alyssa Cruz (12 points), Kayla Stefka (10 points), Emily Majerus (9 points), Katie Rossetti (9 points), Sierra Grubor (7 points)
Rebound Leaders: Celina Schwantes (9), Stefka (7), Rossetti (7), Cruz (7), Grubor (3), Majerus (2)
Notable: The victory took on added significance as it snapped the Pioneers' nine-game regular-season losing streak (10th overall) to St. Norbert dating back to Feb. 6, 2013; Carroll trailed 33-16 at halftime but showcased its resilience by outscoring the Green Knights 50-26 over the course of the final 20 minutes - fueled by a 28-15 run in what proved to be a decisive fourth quarter.