WAUKESHA, Wis. - In a game that featured seven ties and 13 lead changes, Carroll's women's basketball team earned a hard-fought 73-71 home victory against conference foe Elmhurst University. That extends the Pioneers' season-best win streak to six consecutive games, while also marking their seventh consecutive victory against Elmhurst. The win also keeps the Pios in second place in the CCIW standings, just one game behind #2 Illinois Wesleyan.

Neither team led by more than three points in the opening quarter, which featured a trio of lead changes. Elmhurst's Lindsay Novak connected on a 3-pointer in the final minute to give the Blue Jays the lead entering the second period. Elmhurst (10-6, 2-6 CCIW) then scored the first seven points of that quarter to extend their lead to 10 with six minutes remaining in the half. Carroll (12-5, 7-1 CCIW) then flipped a switch, ending the half on a 16-0 run, which began with back-to-back 3-pointers from Olivia Rangel, while the Pios held Elmhurst scoreless for the final five and a half minutes to take a 34-28 lead into halftime.

Carroll picked up where they left off in the second half, scoring the first four points of the third quarter to extend their lead to 10. Elmhurst would cut that lead to two mid-way through the quarter, but the Pioneers would remain in the lead, taking a six-point advantage into the final quarter, which featured eight lead changes. A Chloe Halverson layup gave the Pioneers an eight-point lead in the opening minute of the period, but Elmhurst scored the next 10 points to take the lead with seven minutes remaining. Julia Lokker then connected on a 3-pointer to grab the lead back for the Pios. The two teams then traded baskets several times, with a Novak 3-pointer giving Elmhurst a one-point lead with just under one minute to play. Carroll would go back in front on the ensuing possession, thanks to a jumper from Natalie Gricius with 30 seconds on the clock. Carroll's defense then tightened up, with the only points allowed the rest of the game coming on a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer.

The Pioneers finished the game shooting 40 percent (25-63) from the field, including 36 percent (5-14) form 3-point range. They were led by Gricius' third double-double of the season, recording team-highs of 20 points and 13 rebounds. Rangel added 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, and five steals, while Halverson recorded 11 points and six rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench. Carroll forced Elmhurst into 26 turnovers.

Novak led the Blue Jays with 22 points, making 6-of-10 shots from behind the 3-point line. Kristin Bukata added 14 points, while Anna Kleszynski posted 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Elmhurst finished the game shooting 44 percent (24-54) from the field and 56 percent (10-18) from 3-point range.

Carroll will look to extend their winning streak to seven games next Wednesday when they'll host Carthage College at 7 p.m. from Van Male Gymnasium in Waukesha, Wis.