WHEATON, Ill. - Carroll women's basketball opened conference play in convincing fashion, rolling past Wheaton 76-52 on Wednesday night at King Arena. The Pioneers improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in the CCIW, using balanced scoring and stifling defense to control the game from start to finish.

Carroll shot 48.4% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while holding Wheaton to just 40% overall and 30.4% from deep. The Pioneers dominated the paint with a 46-18 scoring advantage inside, added 14 second-chance points, and forced 24 Wheaton turnovers, converting them into 27 points.

Natalie Gricius led the way with 18 points and 7 rebounds, shooting 8-of-11 from the floor, while adding 3 assists and 2 steals. Julia Lokker and Emilie Wizner provided strong support, scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively, with Lokker hitting 2 threes and Wizner adding 4 assists. Katie Barger chipped in 6 points and a team-high 4 assists, while Anna Nielsen contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds.

Carroll built a 36-25 halftime lead and never looked back, outscoring Wheaton in every quarter and pushing the margin to as many as 26 points late in the fourth. The Pioneers' depth was evident, with 26 bench points and contributions from 11 different players.

With the win, Carroll extends its winning streak and sets the tone for CCIW play. The Pioneers return to action this weekend on Saturday at 2pm as they travel to Kenosha to take on Carthage as they look to keep the momentum going.