Waukesha, Wis. – The Carroll University Pioneers women's basketball team opened their season at home against No. 19 University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. The Pioneers showed resilience and spark, but ultimately fell 55-58 to the Eagles. Sophomore Sierra Grubor (Milwaukee, Wis., Whitnall) led the Pioneers with 15 points, sophomore Alyssa Cruz (West Allis, Wis., Nathan Hale) recorded 5 assists, and freshman Elizabeth Behrndt (Sussex, Wis., Hamilton) grabbed 5 rebounds.

The Pioneers shot 32.4% from the field (including 25% from behind the line) versus the Eagles' 36.2%. Carroll had a 3-point lead over UWL for 10 minutes of the game in the second quarter leading into the third. The bench for the Pioneers outscored the Eagles' bench 27-17, and added 6 fast break points. Unfortunately, the Pioneers struggled on second chance points, only claiming two to La Crosse's 19.

The Pioneers ended the first quarter of the match-up on a 10-5 run, led by sophomore transferKatie Evans (Oconomowoc, Wis., Luther College), who finished with 8 points and 2 rebounds. Junior Emily Majerus (Plymouth, Wis., Plymouth) handed out three assists in the first quarter, and finished with five.

The Pioneers jumped right back into the action in the second half, with layups from sophomore Kayla Stefka (Johnsburg, Ill., Johnsburg) on a fast break steal by Cruz, and an and-1 from Grubor to take the lead by three. Carroll ended the first half up one, after winning the quarter 16-14.

The women struggled out of the gates to start the second half, only scoring 8 to La Crosse's 18. The Pioneers were done to 12 at one point, but cut the lead with free throws from Behrndt. The Pioneers ended the game on a 7-0 run, capped off with Grubor free throws, that came down to the last 6 seconds.  Sophomore Theresa Wichser (Waukesha, Wis., Brookfield Academy) (9 pts, 1bl) was unable to get a clean shot off to end the game with UW-L's stifling defense.

The young Pioneers fall to 2-7 against WIAC teams in the last five seasons. The women will be back in action in one week against Lawrence University, in Appleton, Wis.  Stay up to date on Carroll women's basketball this season by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics).