The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women's basketball team opened the 2024 NCAA Division III Tournament with an 86-47 win over Minnesota Morris Friday night in Kachel Gym. 

The Warhawks came out on fire hitting 9-11 to open up a 19-8 advantage by the first media timeout. By the end of the quarter, UWW led 26-14 bolstered by 10 points from Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest). UWW continued to cruise through the first half building a 36-point lead by halftime, 58-22. UW-Whitewater shot well nearly 70-percent (13-19) in the first 20 minutes while forcing 16 turnovers on the defensive end. 

UWW played all 15 active players* with 10 entering the scoring column in the game. Grundahl led the way with 20 points on 9-16 from the floor. She added four assists, three rebounds and two steals. Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) posted 11 points and led the Warhawks with six boards and six assists. Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland) hit 5-7 from the floor for 10 points in the game. 

The pace and ball movement favored the Warhawk offense as UWW held a 46-20 advantage in points in the paint. 

UW-Whitewater advances to face Millikin in the second round. The game against the Big Blue is slated for 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Kachel Gym. Millikin topped Willamette 91-83 in their first round matchup Friday. 

The Warhawks are 4-2 against Millikin all-time and most recently defeated the Big Blue 79-69 in a game played in Kachel Gym last season. The winner punches their ticket to the Round of 16. 

*NCAA rules only allow for 15 active players in postseason games