MILWUAKEE – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville fell to NAIA No. 16 Cardinal Stritch University, 81-59, on Thursday night from Panella Court.

The Pioneers were led by freshman Kaitlyn Pleau with a career-high 12 points followed by sophomore Alyssa Krajco and junior McKenzie Forseth with nine points apiece.

The Wolves' Michelle Piepenburg and Julie Raeder each recorded double-doubles. Piepenburg netted a game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds followed by Raeder's 17 points and 10 boards.

Stritch never let UW-Platteville get into any rhythm as the Pioneers shot 8-28 (28.6%) from the floor compared to the Wolves 48 percent in the opening half. A layup from Piepenburg with 3:08 on the clock stretched the Wolves lead out to 14 which was its largest first half advantage. The Wolves went into the break with a 30-20 lead.

In the first five minutes of the second half, the Wolves went on a 14-3 run. Stritch was also able to conclude the game on a strong note with a 9-4 run. The Pioneers shot 14-27 for the half but were unable to cut into the lead as the Wolves were also hot by shooting 17-31 (54.84%).

The Pioneers begin conference play on Saturday with a trip to UW-River Falls at 5 p.m.