WAUKESHA, Wis. -  The Carroll women's basketball team saw its historic season come to an end Saturday night, falling 80-60 to Wisconsin–La Crosse in the second round of the NCAA Division III Tournament at the Van Male Fieldhouse.

The Pioneers battled throughout the opening half, keeping the game within reach behind balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting early. Carroll trailed by just seven points at halftime, but a decisive third-quarter surge by the Eagles proved to be the difference as UW–La Crosse used efficient offense and control of the paint to extend the margin.

Natalie Gricius led Carroll with a game-high 24 points, closing her outstanding season by setting the program's single-season scoring record with 639 points. The milestone capped one of the greatest individual seasons in Carroll history, as Gricius consistently carried the Pioneer offense throughout conference play and into the NCAA Tournament.

Emilie Wizner added 17 points, knocking down five three-pointers, while Julia Lokker chipped in 13 points to round out Carroll's double-figure scorers. The Pioneers shot 40 percent from the field and 40 percent from three-point range, but UW–La Crosse's advantage in the paint and on the glass helped create separation in the second half.

Carroll finishes the year with a 23-6 overall record, highlighted by a CCIW regular-season championship, a conference tournament runner-up finish, and an NCAA Tournament run that further cemented the program's place among the top teams in Division III.

While the season ends one win short of the Sweet 16, this Pioneer group leaves behind a lasting legacy — defined by championships, records, and one of the most successful seasons in program history.