WAUKESHA, Wis. - The NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament opens this weekend in Waukesha, with Carroll University set to host one of the most competitive first- and second-round pods in the national bracket. Featuring four programs with contrasting styles and postseason pedigrees, the Carroll pod offers a compelling mix of high-powered offenses, disciplined half-court teams, and battle-tested tournament résumés.
Carroll University (22–5): Balance, Experience, and a Player of the Year Anchor
Carroll enters the NCAA Division III Tournament as one of the most complete teams in the field, bringing a 22–5 overall record and a 15–1 mark in CCIW play into postseason action. The Pioneers were dominant on their home floor throughout the season, finishing 12–0 at Van Male Fieldhouse, and have consistently shown the ability to control games through offensive efficiency, disciplined defense, and depth across the lineup.
At the center of Carroll's success is Natalie Gricius, the 2025–26 CCIW Player of the Year and one of the most impactful post players in Division III. Gricius averages over 22 points per game while shooting better than 56 percent from the field, combining strength, footwork, and touch around the basket. She commands double teams in the paint, creates high-percentage scoring opportunities, and serves as the focal point of Carroll's half-court offense. Defensively, Gricius anchors the interior, rebounds at a high rate, and helps limit second-chance opportunities — a critical component of Carroll's ability to control tempo.
Surrounding Gricius is a veteran perimeter group that gives Carroll both spacing and playmaking. Emilie Wizner, a First Team All-CCIW selection, is the Pioneers' primary perimeter scorer and one of the most reliable shooters in the conference. Wizner shoots 40 percent from three-point range and is comfortable taking — and making — shots in pressure situations. Her ability to stretch defenses opens the floor for Carroll's interior game and prevents opponents from collapsing too aggressively in the paint.
Julia Lokker, a Second Team All-CCIW honoree, adds another layer of versatility on the wing. Lokker can score at all three levels, initiate offense when needed, and defend multiple positions. Her ability to attack off the dribble or knock down perimeter shots makes Carroll difficult to match up with, particularly in tournament settings where versatility is paramount.
Beyond its top scorers, Carroll thrives on ball movement and decision-making. The Pioneers rank among the league's leaders in assists per game and assist-to-turnover ratio, reflecting an offense that values spacing, patience, and execution. Defensively, Carroll forces opponents into tough half-court possessions, rebounds consistently, and limits easy transition opportunities.
With a Player of the Year leading the way, multiple all-conference contributors, and the advantage of playing at home, Carroll enters the tournament built for March — balanced, composed, and capable of adjusting to whatever style the bracket presents.
First-Round Matchup: DePauw (19–9)
Awaiting Carroll in the opening round is DePauw, a program with extensive NCAA tournament experience and a roster built around physicality, rebounding, and disciplined half-court execution. The Tigers average just over 64 points per game but are comfortable turning contests into possession-by-possession battles, leaning on defense and efficiency rather than pace.
Much of DePauw's offense flows through guard Riley Mont, the team's leading scorer and primary creator. Mont is effective attacking off the bounce and is especially dangerous late in the shot clock, where she can create her own look or draw help defenders. Inside, Olivia Hart provides DePauw with a steady presence on the block. Hart scores efficiently around the rim, rebounds at a high rate, and anchors the Tigers defensively, making her a key figure in controlling tempo and limiting second-chance opportunities.
For Carroll, the matchup will hinge on limiting Mont's dribble penetration while maintaining rebounding discipline against Hart and DePauw's frontcourt. DePauw's experience and physicality make them a dangerous opening-round opponent, particularly if the game settles into a slower pace.
Other Side of the Pod: Wisconsin–La Crosse vs. LaGrange
The opposite side of the pod features two teams with contrasting styles but similar postseason ambitions.
Wisconsin–La Crosse enters the tournament at 18–9 after navigating a demanding WIAC schedule. The Eagles rely on balance, depth, and perimeter spacing, preferring to generate offense through ball movement and timely shooting rather than relying on a single dominant scorer. Guard Grace Knupp serves as the steady presence in the backcourt, logging heavy minutes while facilitating the offense and defending multiple positions. In the frontcourt, Molly Janke provides rebounding and physicality, giving Wisconsin–La Crosse a reliable interior option who can impact the game without dominating the ball.
LaGrange, meanwhile, brings a more aggressive, physical approach. The Panthers average over 67 points per game and are at their best when attacking the paint and controlling the glass. Guard Laila Battle is the engine of LaGrange's offense, capable of scoring in bunches and drawing fouls with her downhill style of play. Inside, Amanda McLendon gives LaGrange one of the strongest rebounding presences in the pod, consistently creating second-chance opportunities and forcing opponents to match physicality for all 40 minutes.
This matchup presents a clear contrast: Wisconsin–La Crosse's balance and perimeter play against LaGrange's physicality and interior scoring. Whichever team imposes its preferred style early could gain a decisive edge.
Potential Second-Round Scenarios
If Carroll advances, the second round could present a test of versatility. A matchup with LaGrange would challenge Carroll's rebounding discipline and post defense against McLendon and an aggressive attacking guard in Battle. A meeting with Wisconsin–La Crosse would instead emphasize perimeter defense, transition control, and the ability to disrupt a balanced offensive attack led by Knupp and Janke.
In either case, Carroll's ability to dictate tempo and leverage its offensive balance would be central to navigating a deep and competitive pod.
What to Watch This Weekend
- Home-Court Advantage: Carroll's undefeated home record speaks for itself, and familiarity with rims, floor, and environment matters in March.
- Tempo Control: Each team in the pod has a preferred pace. The teams that impose their style early will have an edge.
- Rebounding Battles: Second-chance points could decide tight tournament games.
- Late-Game Execution: Expect close games — and the ability to execute in the final four minutes will separate teams.
With four proven programs and NCAA aspirations on the line, the Carroll pod promises competitive basketball from the opening tip. For Carroll, the path is challenging but clear: defend home court, dictate tempo, and lean into the balance that has defined its season.
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