Three Pioneers Collect WIAC Postseason Recognition

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – Freshman Ella Mackiewicz of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville women's basketball team was named to the 2022-23 Kwik Trip Newcomer of the Year the league announced on Wednesday. Mackiewicz and sophomore Brynlee Nelson each earned a spot on the WIAC Honorable Mention team, while senior Danyelle Waldera received All-Sportsmanship Team honors.

Mackiewicz started all 26 games put together a fantastic freshman campaign, as she led the Pioneers in several categories. She averaged a team-high 11.5 points per game, which was eighth in the conference, and reached double figures in 14 games. Mackiewicz also led the team with 5.6 rebounds was third in the WIAC with 1.8 steals per contest. The freshman recorded one double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and eight steals in win over MSOE in late November. Mackiewicz played some of her best basketball in the Pioneers two upset wins over UW-Whitewater, scoring 31 points with nine rebounds in January before adding 23 points and another nine boards in the regular season finale to send the UW-Platteville to a conference tournament appearance.

Nelson finished second on the team with 11.2 points per game while starting all 26 games. She finished ninth in the conference in scoring and was fourth on UW-Platteville in rebounding (3.2 per game), third in assists (1.5), and second in steals (1.1). The sophomore reached double digits in points 16 times, including a season-high 20 in a road win over Washington (Mo.) on December 11.

Waldera played in two games on the season and was a constant leadership presence for the Pioneers throughout the campaign. The senior tallied two points in the season-opener against Ripon in November.