GREEN BAY, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team traveled to the Kress Center Saturday afternoon for an exhibition matchup against NCAA Division I member UW-Green Bay.

"We're extremely grateful for the opportunity to compete against one of the best Division I women's basketball programs in the state," said head coach Kelly McNiff. "The experience was invaluable – the pace, physicality, and energy of Green Bay's team challenged us and helped us grow. What an awesome day for our players and our program."

The Pioneers settled in quickly played tough and competitively, trailing 35-21 at the half before eventually falling 72-34.

"The final score doesn't reflect how well and how hard we competed this afternoon," said McNiff. "I'm so proud of this group for the way they battled, especially considering we've only had 11 practices together. This exhibition game will only help us as we begin our season!"

Division I and Division III exhibition contests have become a staple in the Badger State as both UW-Green Bay and UW-Madison basketball programs annually take on different opponents from around the WIAC.

Senior Ella Mackiewicz put the Pioneers on the board in the first minute and a three pointer by senior Ashley Weir, assisted by Madalyn Reichmann gave the Pioneers their first and only lead of the day, 5-4, with 7:40 to go in the first quarter.

The Pioneers were a perfect 5-of-5 from the stripe on Saturday, with all five taking place in the second quarter. Mackiewicz made both of hers and sophomore Caitlyn Strom added three more.

Trailing by 14 at the half, the Pioneers saved their best shooting for last, going 5-of-17 (29.4 percent) in the fourth frame after a quiet third quarter.

Mackiewicz finished with a game-high 17 points while both sophomore Ava Hanson and Reichmann aided with three assists each. Mackiewicz pulled down a team-high seven boards and sophomore Grace Groezinger added five while junior Tatum Weir tallied four rebounds. Reichmann and Strom also registered three steals apiece.
 
The Pioneers finished 22 percent (13-of-59) from the field and 15 percent (3-of-20) from three-point range. The Phoenix finished shooting 46 percent (29-of-63) from the floor, 30.4 percent (7-of-23) from beyond the arc and 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from the free throw line.

UW-Platteville will return to action for the first game of the season when they travel to Loras College on Saturday, November 8 for a 3 p.m. game against the Duhawks.