KENOSHA, Wis. – The No. 16 Carroll University women's basketball team stayed perfect in conference play with a 72-60 road win over Carthage on Saturday afternoon at Tarble Arena. The Pioneers improved to 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the CCIW, using a strong fourth quarter to seal their seventh victory of the season.

Carroll jumped out early behind efficient shooting, hitting 52.6% in the opening frame to build a 22-13 lead. The Pioneers extended their advantage to 35-24 at halftime, fueled by balanced scoring and a 9-0 fast-break edge. After Carthage trimmed the margin to single digits in the third, Carroll responded with timely threes and clutch free throws in the final period, outscoring the Firebirds 19-20 to close out the win. 

Natalie Gricius led the charge with a game-high 23 points, including five three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 at the line. Emilie Wizner added 16 points and three assists, while Julia Lokker chipped in 13 points and went 4-for-4 at the stripe. Katie Barger provided a steady presence with 11 points and five assists, and Ryann Wendt contributed six points and six rebounds off the bench.

Carroll shot 41.9% from the field, knocked down eight threes, and converted 12-of-18 free throws. The Pioneers dominated points in the paint (30-26) and turned 15 Carthage turnovers into 11 points. Defensively, Carroll limited the Firebirds to 37.1% shooting and just 31% from beyond the arc.

The Pioneers return to action on December 19th as they take part in the Daytona Beach Shootout, with their first matchup against Worcester Polytechnic at 7pm as they will be looking to extend their win streak and continue climbing the national rankings.