WAUKESHA, WI – The Beloit College women's basketball team faced a challenging Carroll Pioneer squad on the road this evening. The Buccaneers (0-3, 0-0 MWC) fell to the Pioneers (2-1, 0-0 CCIW) 72-45 at Van Male Fieldhouse.
The Buccaneers started the game with an impressive offensive display in the first quarter, shooting 54.5% from the field and a blistering 60.0% from beyond the arc. This early surge saw them take a 16-14 lead after the first period, with Kaelie Moreno (Yorkville, Ill.) and Aina Mallorqui (Valls, Spain) leading the charge. Moreno was particularly effective from three-point range, demonstrating her offensive prowess.
However, the momentum began to shift in the second quarter as the Pioneers found their rhythm, outpacing Beloit 18-10. Despite this, Amaya Bridgewater (Milwaukee, Wis.) contributed a key 2-point field goal early in the quarter, and Moreno continued to be a bright spot, adding crucial points. The Buccaneers struggled to maintain their shooting efficiency, dropping to 26.7% from the field.
Coming out of halftime, the third quarter saw Carroll extend their lead further, outscoring Beloit 20-7. Hailey Johnson (South Milwaukee, Wis.) provided a spark with two buckets in the paint, and Bridgewater hit a key 3-pointer, but the team's overall shooting remained challenged. The fourth quarter, though another Carroll advantage (20-12), highlighted individual efforts for Beloit. Johnson continued her scoring with two additional 2-point field goals and a free throw, while Moreno added a successful 3-pointer and several free throws, showcasing her resilience.
Moreno was a consistent offensive threat for Beloit. She finished with a strong stat line of 16 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Bucs in both categories. She continued to demonstrate her ability to score both inside and from long range. Her early 3-pointers were vital in establishing the Bucs first-quarter lead. Johnson showed her determination, especially in the second half, with key field goals in the paint, highlighting her presence inside. Johnson finished with nine points and three boards. Bridgewater contributed important points throughout the game, including a crucial three-pointer that helped keep Beloit in contention. She ended with nine points and two rebounds in 22 minutes of action. Mallorqui was impactful in the first quarter, contributing to Beloit's strong start with her scoring and defensive efforts. Mallorqui finished with a team-high four assists.
The Buccaneers will host the Scarlet Hawks of Illinois Tech on Saturday, November 15th for their first home game of the 2025-26 season. Tip off from Flood Arena is set for 5 pm.
