The University of Wisconsin–Platteville women’s basketball team swept the season series against the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Eagles, fighting to stay in contention for a spot in the WIAC tournament at Bo Ryan Court, Feb. 8.
The Pioneers displayed tremendous scoring ability, mostly from juniors Stacy Clark and Alyssa Karajco, as they routed the Eagles 74-67 on Saturday.
Krajco and Clark scored 23 apiece, leading all-scorers for the night.
Clark added 16 of her 23 in the first half alone as they enjoyed a comfortable 39-27 lead heading into the break.
“I think we had very good passing. A lot of passes got through defenders while we were driving and I had a lot of open, easy shots,” Clark said, who also racked on a double-double by the end on the first half.
Krajco also recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds to go along with her 23 points for one of her better performances as a Pioneer.
Head coach Megan Wilson was thrilled about the excellent play from her two leading scorers.
“We kept going to those two players when we felt we needed to score and they came through for us down the stretch,” Wilson said.
The Eagles led 6-5 at the beginning of the contest but would not see another lead for the rest of the game, as the Pioneers controlled every aspect of the game in the first half.
The Eagles came out of the locker room in the second half on a 9-2 run, but the Pioneers’ 12-point lead allowed for that cushion of error to occur.
The rest of the second half was a catch-up game for the Eagles as they came within a single point a few times, but with clutch baskets from Clark, Krajco and junior Rachel Cropp, who added 14 points on the night, the Pioneers never gave up the lead as they cruised to their first season sweep of the Eagles since 2005.
“It was a huge win for us, one that we felt we needed to win to put us in a good spot for the conference tournament. We are starting to play together at the right time of the year,” Wilson said.
It was Senior Night at UW-Platteville as the players, coaches and fans honored Melissa Carmody, the lone senior on the team.
Carmody is averaging 8.8 points during her last season crusade in a Pioneer jersey.
She also racked up 26 steals, second on the team behind Cropp with 33, and 10 blocks.
As the only senior, more has been expected from Carmody.
Due to her experience, the other players look to her for advice and motivation when they need it.
Krajco, who has been Carmody’s teammate for three years, reflected upon Carmody’s experience and impact on the team throughout numerous seasons.
“[Carmody’s] been an awesome leader and we are really going to miss her. She always gave 110 percent and we’re especially going to miss her leadership skills. We call her our mom.”
Carmody was part of Wilson’s first recruiting class when she came to UW-Platteville and as the only senior that she has kept over the four years, there is a legacy in Carmody, which Wilson will not forget.
“She truly represents what I want to coach here at UW-P, as far as student athletes go. She has a great work ethic, she’s a great leader, always give 110 percent and she’s just a great overall kid.”
Losing to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh three days prior 66-52, the Pioneers needed this victory in order to stay in contention for the WIAC tournament.
Wilson still believes that the team can make the most of their four remaining games as they approach the end of the regular season.
“We feel, right now, that we control our own destiny. Our goal this year was to make it to the WIAC tournament, which is well within reach; we just have to take it one game at a time.”
The Pioneers competed against the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point last night at Bo Ryan Court.
