ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - As sub-zero temperatures continue to plummet around the Midwest this weekend, Carroll's women's basketball team continues to heat up, earning their eighth consecutive victory Sunday afternoon in a 97-59 victory at Augustana (Ill.). That is the Pioneers' second-highest point total of the season, and marks the second-consecutive 90-plus point performance for one of Division-III's hottest and highest-scoring teams.

Despite the lopsided final score, the first quarter was very competitive, featuring two ties and a whopping 12 lead changes. Olivia Rangel got Carroll (13-3, 6-1 CCIW) off to a good start by scoring the game's first five points just 18 seconds into the contest. Augustana (9-7, 4-3 CCIW) then scored six consecutive points to take their first lead of the game, which also marked Carroll's first deficit in nine quarters. The two teams were stuck in a see-saw battle, before Carroll took control of the game with eight consecutive points to take a seven point lead in the final minute of the opening quarter. Augie would get that lead back to four in the second period, before Carroll regained some momentum going into the half with a 14-point advantage.

Carroll would outscore Augustana 24-12 in the third quarter, before coasting to victory in the final frame. The Pioneers shot 54 percent (37-68) in the game, including 57 percent (12-21) from 3-point range, which is just four 3-pointers shy of the single game school record. Augustana shot 46 percent (22-48) from the field, but just 17 percent (2-12) from beyond the arc. Turnovers also played a key role, as Carroll scored 40 points off 28 Viking miscues.

Emilie Wizner led the Pioneers with a game-high 28 points in 29 minutes, making 10-of-15 shots, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Rangel added 18 points, four rebounds, and eight assists, while also knocking down four 3-pointers. Natalie Gricius also chipped in with 16 points, including a pair of triples.

Augustana was led by Cali Papez's 12 points and six rebounds, while Macy Beinborn added 11 points and five assists. The Vikings were outscored on fast break points by an 18-1 margin.

The Pioneers will try to keep things rolling on Wednesday, when they'll host Carthage College. That game will begin at 7 p.m., and will be played at Van Male Fieldhouse in Waukesha, Wis.