Turnovers key in women’s basketball loss to Simpson

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team fell to the Simpson College Storm 79-67 on Saturday in Indianola, Iowa. 

Freshman guard Morgan Horstman and junior center Elisa Bilderback both played well for the Pioneers, who fell to 2-7. Horstman recorded 15 points and seven rebounds while Bilderback logged 13 points and four rebounds in the loss. 

After being down five in the first quarter, the Pioneers fought back to lead the game 19-11 after the buzzer to end the first quarter. 

With the Storm catching back up in the second quarter, the Pioneers quickly found themselves down six about half way through the quarter, but six points from freshman Cassie Hamer and two layups from Horstman and freshman Lexis Macomber put the Pioneers in good position at the half. 

After the break, Simpson came out with a three-pointer to put them ahead 42-38 before the Pioneers responded with a Horstman layup. After a third quarter battle, the Pioneers down 59-54, the Pioneers came within two, but fell off after missed opportunities and never recovered, giving the Storm the 79-67 win. 

Overall, the Pioneers dominated the free throw category, making 9 of 11 for an 81.8 free throw percentage for the game. They also outrebounded the Storm in the loss, but it was the 26 turnovers by the Pioneers that was the game changer. 

The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 29 against Monmouth College at Williams Fieldhouse at 6:00 p.m. 

Written by: Carly Willman, University Information and Communications, 608.342.1194, willmanc@uwplatt.edu