WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll women's basketball improved to 2-1 on the season with a convincing 72-45 victory over Beloit College on Wednesday evening at Van Male Field House.

The Pioneers used a balanced attack and stifling defense to pull away after a slow start. Carroll trailed 16-14 after the first quarter but responded with a dominant second period, outscoring the Buccaneers 18-10 to take a 32-26 lead into halftime. Senior forward Natalie Gricius and senior guard Emilie Wizner sparked the run, combining for 13 points in the quarter.

Carroll (2-1) broke the game open in the third, using a 13-0 run midway through the period to stretch the lead to double digits. Wizner drilled back-to-back threes and Gricius added a fast-break layup to cap the surge. The Pioneers outscored Beloit 20-7 in the third and matched that total in the fourth to seal the win.

Gricius led Carroll with 22 points and seven rebounds, shooting 9-of-18 from the field. Wizner added 11 points, including three triples, and Anna Nielsen contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and five steals. Lainey Gussman chipped in seven points and four assists, while Julia Lokker scored 10 and dished out three assists.

Carroll shot 39.7 percent (27-68) from the floor and 22.7 percent (5-22) from three-point range, while converting 52 percent (13-25) at the line. The Pioneers had 24 steals and scored 33 points off those miscues, while also dominating the paint with a 36-18 edge.

Beloit (0-3) was held to 38.1 percent (16-42) shooting and committed 40 turnovers. Hailey Johnson led the Buccaneers with nine points, while Kaelie Moreno added 16 points and 10 rebounds, including a perfect 5-of-6 from the free-throw line.

Carroll returns to action on Wednesday, November 19th as they travel to Whitewater to take on the Warhawks with tip scheduled for 5:30.