MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season on Wednesday night with a challenging test against nationally ranked No. 24 Carroll. The Falcons battled the Pioneers throughout the opening half, using a strong second-quarter surge to pull even before Carroll claimed a 61-37 victory inside the R. John Buuck Field House.
The Blue and White came out ready to compete against the nationally ranked Pioneers. Junior Kristin Wentling (Arlington Heights, Ill.) opened the scoring for CUW with a layup before senior Andrea Butterbrodt (Green Bay, Wis.) connected inside to give the Falcons an early 4-3 advantage.
Freshman AJ Minar (Racine, Wis.) continued the strong start with a basket that put Concordia ahead 9-8 with 2:17 remaining in the opening quarter. Carroll responded to take an 11-9 lead into the second period.
The Pioneers extended their advantage to 20-12 in the second quarter, but the Falcons refused to back down.
Senior Gracie McNabb (Grafton, Wis.) sparked a 10-2 Concordia run with a pair of three-pointers. Sophomore Amya Pluess (Burlington, Wis.) added a layup during the surge, and Butterbrodt connected from beyond the arc as the Falcons battled back to tie the contest at 22.
Carroll closed the half with a four-point advantage, taking a 28-24 lead into the locker room.
The Falcons continued to challenge the Pioneers coming out of halftime. Butterbrodt knocked down a jumper to trim the deficit to 30-26 early in the third quarter.
Carroll eventually created separation in the period, but Concordia continued to battle and entered the fourth quarter trailing 46-36.
The nationally ranked Pioneers pulled away in the final 10 minutes to secure the season-opening victory.
Minar led the Falcons with 10 points in her collegiate debut, connecting on five field goals.
Butterbrodt finished with eight points, five rebounds and two steals, while McNabb added six points behind her two three-pointers.
Senior Jayden Ross (Baraboo, Wis.) helped facilitate the Concordia offense with a team-high four assists while collecting five rebounds and two steals.
The Falcons received 21 points from their bench in the season opener.
The Falcons move to 0-1 on the season, while Carroll improves to 1-2.
The Falcons return to action on Saturday when they host Wisconsin-Stevens Point at the R. John Buuck Field House.
