KENOSHA, Wis. - Carroll's women's basketball team broke a two-game losing streak Wednesday night, opening their 2024 conference season with a 62-57 road victory against in-state rival Carthage. The Pioneers shot 35 percent (23-66) from the field, while Carthage converted 46 percent (25-55) of their shots, but it was at the free throw line where Carroll would make up the difference, shooting 13-of-19 from the charity stripe, while Carthage converted 3-of-5 from the line.

Carthage (5-2, 0-1 CCIW) came out firing, shooting 62 percent (8-13) in the opening quarter, while Carroll (5-3, 1-0 CCIW) made 36 percent (5-14) of their shots in the period, which led to an 18-11 Carthage lead after one period. The Firebirds would open a 13-point lead mid-way through the second quarter, but Carroll closed the half on an 11-4 run to cut that lead to six at intermission.

The Pioneers outscored Carthage 14-10 in the third quarter, slowly but surely closing the gap, as a Katie Barger free throw at the end of the period cut Carthage's lead to just two points, entering the final quarter. A Natalie Gricius jumper on the opening possession tied the score at 42, and an Emilie Wizner jumper with seven minutes remaining would give the Pioneers their first lead since mid-way through the first period. The two teams then traded baskets, but Carroll would take the lead for good with just under four minutes to play on an Olivia Rangel jumper. That was the beginning of a 12-7 run to close out the game.

Rangel led Carroll with 15 points and a game-high eight assists, while Gricius contributed a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Wizner and Barger each finished with eight points for the Pioneers, which scored 15 fast break points on the night.

Carthage was led by Marianna Morrissey's game-high 17 points and nine rebounds. Emma Carlson recorded a double-double for the Firebirds with 16 points and 14 boards.

The Pioneers will try to build on this performance as they'll face arguably their toughest test of the season Saturday afternoon when they'll host #4 Illinois Wesleyan. That game will begin at 2 p.m. inside Van Male Fieldhouse in Waukesha, Wis.