Sophomore forward Kassie Hansen (LaCrosse, Wis.) had nine points and a team high seven rebounds while sophomore guard Cassie Hamer (Platteville) added another nine points off the bench for the Pioneers. Sophomore center Allison Prestegaard (Amboy, Ill.) contributed a game-high six blocks.

The Pioneers struggled early to start the game. After Prestegaard scored the first points, the Duhawks were able to go on 12-3 run and go up 12-5 with 6 minutes left in the first quarter. The Pioneers were able to close the gap and eventually take a 21 to 19 lead after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Hansen and freshman guard Rachel Emendorfer scored the first eight points for the Pioneers as they led 29-28 midway through the second quarter. The Duhawks finished the quarter ahead 38-32.

The Pioneers struggled in the second half, falling behind as many as 24 points.  Junior guard Jalen Knowlton (Chippewa Falls, Wis.) scored six points, which included a three-pointer to help pace the Pioneers.

The Pioneers were not able to make some late game magic and fell 69-50. The Pioneers shot 29 percent from the field, while the Duhawks 39.1 percent.

The Pioneers dropped to 1-4 overall, while Loras moved to 3-2 overall. The Pioneers will play against Simpson College  on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m at Williams Fieldhouse.

By Parker Debroux, UW-Platteville Communications, 608.342.1194, pr@uwplatt.edu