Women's Basketball Drops Conference Opener
OSHKOSH, Wis.—The UW-Oshkosh Titans dropped their conference opener and were handed their first loss of the season as the UW-Platteville Pioneers (4-4, 1-0 WIAC) defeated the Titans, 60-35.
The Titans (6-1, 0-1 WIAC) were led Kayce Vaile and Kennedy Osterman, who each scored eight points in the contest. Vaile was one of two Titans to go perfect at the charity stripe (2-of-2). Vaile led the Titans in rebounding, grabbing 10 boards in the contest.
Osterman went on to score two baskets from beyond the arc, the only shots the Titans would make from distance.
Game Recap
Osterman led the charge for the Titans as the game tipped-off inside Kolf Sports Center, scoring five points and providing an assist as the Titans opened on a 7-0 run. The Titans defense held the Pioneers without a basket until the 6:25 mark of the first quarter as Vaile answered with a basket for the Titans. The Titans held the Pioneers without a basket for nearly two minutes as the Pioneers began a late attack on the Titans. The Pioneers would take a 14-11 lead at end of the first quarter.
The Pioneers held the Titans to six points in the second quarter, as a pair of free throws by Allison Forney ended a nearly five-minute scoring drought for the Titans. Sarah Hardwick and Vaile made late baskets for the Titans as the Titans trailed by eight at the break.
Jenna Jorgensen had a pair of baskets in the opening minutes of the third quarter for the Titans, answering the offensive pressure from the Pioneers. Making her collegiate debut, Mahra Wieman made a singular free throw and a basket in the second half for the Titans. Osterman's 3-pointer on an assist from Ava Douglas would bring the Titans within nine with 4:56 remaining in the third quarter. Vaile's four points over four minutes in the third and fourth quarters were the only points scored for the Titans as the Pioneers continued to build their lead. The Titans were held to eight fourth quarter points, as Mackenzie Tlachac made the final basket of the game for either squad.
The Titans last lost to the Pioneers in the 2021 opener in Oshkosh on Feb. 3, 2021. The Titans had won three consecutive match-ups prior to this evening.
National Rankings
In the weekly poll released on Nov. 29 by the WBCA, the UW-Oshkosh Titans women's basketball squad moved into a tied for No. 12 in the nation, alongside UW-Whitewater.
In the D3hoops.com poll that was released on Nov. 28, the Titans rose to No. 19, up three spots from their preseason rank.
Next Time on the Court
Hitting the road, the Titans continue WIAC action as they compete at UW-Stout on Dec. 3. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. in Menomonie.