Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
WAUKESHA, Wis. (Nov. 29, 2023) - Trailing just three points at the break, the North Central College women's basketball team fell 92-62 to Carroll University who put together a big second-half to claim the victory on Wednesday night inside Van Male Fieldhouse.
Megan McClure opened the scoring in the contest with a jumper before Grace Kieffer knocked down a bucket to bring the score to 4-4 after just one minute of play. Following a Pioneer 7-0 run, Kieffer and Jocelyn Trotter brought the Cardinals back within two, 11-9. The teams traded baskets as a Megan Duffy deep ball kept North Central within one possession, 19-16 after 10 minutes of play.
Trotter picked up a steal and scored a fastbreak layup in the Cardinals' opening possession of the second quarter. Ending another Carroll run, Trotter knocked down a three-pointer before Kaeli Ford connected from beyond the arc to bring North Central within one, 25-24. Again the teams went back and forth as a Kieffer layup with 30 seconds left made the score at 35-32 entering halftime.
The Pioneers opened the third quarter with a 14-2 run before Jovanna Martinucci and Biz Daly hit jumpers to keep the Cardinals within reach. Carroll extended their lead to 21 by the end of the quarter.
Lexie Hernandez scored the first North Central basket in the final period before Duffy knocked down a pair of free throws. Carroll earned a 92-62 victory in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin opener.
Trotter led the Cardinals with 13 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Kieffer, Duffy, and Hernandez each added nine points. As a team, North Central shot 39% from the field. Carroll shot 58% with Natalie Gricius leading the Pioneers.
The Cardinals conclude their four-game road stretch on Saturday as they take on Wheaton College. That game is set for 5 p.m inside of King Arena.
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