The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team scored nine of the first 11 points in the second half to rally from a six-point halftime deficit to defeat UC-Santa Cruz, 54-47, on Thursday afternoon in its first game of the 2011 Redlands Winter Classic.

The Pioneers (6-6) were led by junior Liz Lawinger, who poured in a game-high 23 points to lead UW-Platteville. Plus, Pioneer junior forward Ashley Henry also added eight points and 10 rebounds to the cause.

An aggressive UW-Platteville defense forced 26 turnovers, translating to 25 points for the Pioneers, who gave up just four points off turnovers to UC-Santa Cruz.

Lawinger hit five 3-pointers on the afternoon – all in the second half – including a trifecta at the 16:05 mark of the second half that put the Pioneers in front, 27-25. The lead for UW-Platteville was its first since the 5:38 mark of the opening half.

The Banana Slugs (5-8) were led by Sarah Mackey, who had 12 points and eight rebounds to lead UC-Santa Cruz.

After the Lawinger put UW-Platteville ahead, the two teams were tied on two more occasions until a free throw by freshman Rachel Cropp and Lawinger drained a 3-pointer to put the Pioneers ahead for the rest of the contest.

The Pioneers will return to action on Friday when they face host Redlands College at 5 p.m. (CST).