WAUKESHA, Wis. – Carroll University women's basketball battled to the final horn in the CCIW Tournament Championship, but a tightly contested overtime period swung the outcome as Illinois Wesleyan edged the Pioneers 74–70 Saturday night at Van Male Fieldhouse.

Carroll erased multiple deficits and forced overtime on a clutch basket in the closing seconds of regulation, but the Titans converted timely plays in the extra session to claim the conference title. Despite the setback, the Pioneers' postseason run continues, as Carroll will await its NCAA Division III Tournament destination during Monday's selection show.

The championship matchup lived up to its billing, featuring 10 lead changes and a physical battle throughout the paint. Carroll trailed by as many as 11 in the third quarter before responding with a strong fourth-quarter push, outscoring Illinois Wesleyan 17–8 in the final period to send the game to overtime tied at 68.

Natalie Gricius led Carroll with 21 points, helping keep Carroll in striking distance throughout. Anna Nielson added 8 points and 7 rebounds, including the game-tying basket with one second remaining in regulation. Ava Bardic added 23 points for Illinois Wesleyan, while Sawyer White chipped in 19.

The Pioneers controlled the interior, holding a 48–42 advantage in points in the paint and finishing with 13 second-chance points, while Illinois Wesleyan capitalized on transition opportunities late. Overtime proved decisive, as the Titans outscored Carroll 6–2 in the extra five minutes.

Carroll finished the night shooting 40.3 percent from the floor and held Illinois Wesleyan to 38.4 percent, underscoring the defensive intensity on both sides in the championship setting.

With the CCIW Tournament runner-up finish, Carroll improves its postseason résumé and will now turn its attention to the national stage. The Pioneers will learn their NCAA Division III Tournament opponent and site on Monday, with first-round play beginning later in the week.