Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

NAPERVILLE, Ill. (Feb. 12, 2022) - Honoring seniors Mitrese Smith and IxChel Leeuwenburgh prior to tonight's contest, the North Central College women's basketball fell to Carroll 69-55 on Saturday night inside of Gregory Arena.

Smith opened the game with a layup off of a steal by Elle Sutter. Sutter followed that up with two baskets of her own before Leeuwenburgh knocked down a pair of free throws to put the Cardinals on top, 8-3. Natalie Stavropoulos closed the quarter with a layup to give North Central a 12-8 advantage after 10 minutes of play.

The Pioneers battled back to take a 16-14 lead with 8:37 left in the second quarter. Jessica Kowalczyk hit a jumper to tie the game before Carroll went on an 8-2 run of their own. Kowalczyk hit a three to bring the Cardinals within one, 24-23. Carroll scored the final six points of the half to hold a 30-23 advantage at the break.

Carroll extended their lead to 13 early in the third quarter. A three-pointer from Allison Pearson closed the gap to six before the Pioneers went on an 8-2 run. At the end of three-quarters of play, Carroll held a 54-38 advantage. Leeuwenburgh converted a three-point play to bring North Central within 12 points but the Pioneers led the rest of the way to earn a 69-55 win.

The seniors led the way in scoring for the Cardinals as Smith posted 14 points while Leeuwenburgh tallied 13. As a team, North Central shot 39% from the field. Chloe Halverson recorded a game-high 16 points for Carroll.

The Cardinals host Illinois Wesleyan in their final game of the regular season. Tip-off is set for 7 PM inside of Gregory Arena.
 
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