WAUKESHA, Wis - The Pioneers opened strong with a gritty win over Ripon before dropping a tough match to nationally ranked UW-Whitewater at Van Male Fieldhouse in the Carroll Triangular on Saturday.

In the opener, Carroll controlled the first two sets and held off a late Ripon rally for a 25–18, 25–15, 18–25, 28–26 victory. The Pioneers hit .222 as a team and showcased offensive depth, led by Carly Hicklin's 22 kills (.405) and Avery Halstead's 13 kills (.538). Audrey Rosenbaum added nine kills and five blocks, while Karlee Riggs chipped in eight kills and three blocks. Hicklin paired her offensive output with 16 digs for a double-double, and Payton Depies anchored the back row with a match-high 33 digs. Carroll finished with eight team blocks, including key stops in the fourth set to erase multiple Ripon set points. The Pioneers' side-out efficiency (61% in set one, 62% in set two) helped them build early momentum before Ripon responded in the third. In the decisive fourth, Carroll rallied late and sealed the win on a kill by Rosenbaum.

The second match featured a tough challenge against UW-Whitewater, ranked among the nation's top programs. The Warhawks controlled the net and limited Carroll to a .046 hitting percentage in a 25–13, 25–14, 25–21 sweep. Bronwyn Rowse led the Pioneers with 10 kills, while Rosenbaum added five and Hicklin chipped in two. Depies again paced the defense with 15 digs, and Carroll managed four team blocks, including contributions from Rowse and Riggs. Despite a stronger third set, the Pioneers couldn't overcome Whitewater's .269 hitting percentage and balanced attack.

With the split, Carroll moves to 16–14 overall and remains 3–4 in CCIW play heading into the final week of the regular season. The Pioneers will look to build on their non-conference success as they return to league action next week against Carthage on Friday for their final regular season match.