Pioneers win thriller over Simpson

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team defeated Simpson College, 74-70 on Wednesday night on Bo Ryan Court.

Sophomore guard Morgan Horstman (Bangor, Wis.) led all scorers with 22 points. Horstman was a perfect four-for-four from behind the arc. Sophomore center Allison Prestegaard (Amboy Ill.) contributed 11 points and two blocks while fellow sophomore center Lexis Macomber (Lanark, Ill.) added 12 points off the bench. Sophomore forward Kassie Hansen (La Crosse, Wis.) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

In a back-and-forth first quarter, the Pioneers found themselves a good rhythm early. The first quarter featured five lead changes. The Pioneers led 19-18 after the first quarter.

Hortsman and Macomber combined for 17 of the 18 points the Pioneers scored in the first quarter.

The Pioneers got out to a 29-23 lead until Simpson ripped off a 11-0 run to take a 34-29 lead. The first half ended with Simpson heading into the locker room with 39-33 lead.  

The Pioneers were tied 43-43 with three minutes left when sophomore forward Abby Luedkte (Larsen, Wis.) made a lay up to give the Pioneers a slim lead. UW-Platteville and Simpson traded baskets and ended the third quarter ended with Simpson leading 48-47.

In the fourth quater, the Pioneers found themselves in a four point hole, until Prestegaard and senior guard Morgan Hartman (Rochester, Minn.) tied the game up at 65.

The Pioneers outscored Simpson 9-5 in the last 60 seconds to clinch their second win of the season.

The Pioneers moved to to 2-4 overall, while Simpson dropped to 1-4 overall. The Pioneers will play against Washington (Mo.) on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at Williams Fieldhouse.

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