Notables

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The UW-Platteville Pioneers have come so tantalizing close to the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference's "Big Four," but have come up just short in their seven previous games against UW-Stout, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Oshkosh and UW-Eau Claire.

Until Wednesday.

The Pioneers defeated visiting 21st-ranked UW-Eau Claire 74-70 to clinch their first .500 season in a decade, improving to 13-11 overall and 8-7 in the WIAC. The Blugolds fell to 18-5, 10-5.

It was Senior Night for the Pioneers, and all three seniors contributed greatly to the breakthrough win. Crystal Stietz, the conference's leading scorer, poured in 31 points and set a school record by making 14 of 14 from the line. Stietz made a baseline jump shot and two free throws with 42 seconds remaining for a 71-68 lead.

After the Blugolds' Becca Spaeth knocked down a pair of free shots to make it a one-point game, senior Katie Oliver hit two free throws with 14 seconds left for a 73-70 advantage. After a UWEC missed 3-point attempt, Tiff Flesch made one of two free throws with 1.2 ticks left for the final margin.

Senior Grace Foster added 16 points, with 12 coming via the 3-point shot, and Flesch finished with 11 points. Kristi Channing led Eau Claire with 15 points, while Emilee Planert scored 14.