WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll women's basketball advanced in the CCIW Tournament on Thursday night with a commanding 78–65 victory over Wheaton at Van Male Fieldhouse, earning a spot in Friday's semifinal against second-seeded Illinois Wesleyan.

The Pioneers set the tone early, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the opening quarter and never relinquishing control. Carroll scored the game's first basket and used a balanced offensive attack to build a 21–10 advantage after one period. The Blue and Gold continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, forcing turnovers and converting in transition to extend the lead to 43–28 at halftime.

Carroll shot efficiently throughout the night, finishing 48.3 percent from the field and knocking down nine three-pointers. Emilie Wizner led the offensive charge with 24 points, connecting on six three-pointers and providing consistent scoring on the perimeter. Julia Lokker added 18 points, while Ryann Wendt chipped in 17 points and six rebounds, attacking the paint and finishing through contact. Katie Barger rounded out the balanced scoring effort with 12 points and nine rebounds, helping Carroll control the glass.

Defensively, Carroll forced 17 Wheaton turnovers and turned those opportunities into 18 points, using defensive pressure to disrupt the Thunder's rhythm. The Pioneers also held a significant edge inside, outscoring Wheaton 32–22 in the paint and winning the rebounding battle, 36–30.

Wheaton made a push late in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to 12 points with under a minute remaining, but Carroll responded by closing out the game at the free-throw line and with strong defensive possessions to secure the win.

The victory improves Carroll to 22–4 overall and sends the Pioneers into the CCIW Tournament finals, where they will face No. 2 seed Illinois Wesleyan on Saturday at 7pm. The matchup will feature two of the conference's top programs, with the conference's auto berth to the NCAA tournament on the line.