MADISON, WISC. - The Madison College women's basketball team had plans of avenging an early season loss on Saturday inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium; however, Carl Sandburg College held off the home team's fourth quarter rally to get out of town with a 68-59 decision in Region 4 competition. The WolfPack were led by Keelyn Zwirschitz and Jaida Gaskins, who combined to score 54% of the team's points. The Chargers, who also beat the Pack by a 77-61 final in November, own an 8-5 lead in the all-time series. 

The two teams played an extremely competitive opening quarter, which ended with Carl Sandburg College (16-8) up 16-12. Zwirschitz had four points; however, the WolfPack registered seven of the eventual 15 turnovers during the first ten minutes. A three-point play by Maia Ellis to start the second quarter brought Madison College within a point, but the Chargers answered with a three-pointer that ignited a quick 7-0 run. After both teams struggled to find the basket for the next two minutes, CSC extended the scoring surge to 13-2 to make it a 29-17 score with 5:22 to play in the half. The WolfPack did end the half with an 8-2 burst capped by consecutive three-pointers from Gaskins and Hannah Solie to close the gap to 31-25 at the break.

The third quarter, however, belonged to Carl Sandburg College as the outscored the Pack by a 27-19 margin. The differential grew to a 14 points 58-44 when the Chargers closed the quarter with a fastbreak layup in the final ten seconds. Ready for one last push to get back in the game, Madison College started the final ten minutes with a Gaskins three-pointer. A few minutes later, forward Amaya Travis swished her first career triple to start an 8-0 run that brought the score to 64-57 with just over three minutes remaining. The WolfPack was only able to make one more basket during that final stretch as their comeback effort fell short.



Zwirschitz, a native of Antigo, Wisconsin, was tops on the WolfPack with 17 points, giving the 5'1" guard her 11th game with ten or more points this season, including three straight. She was 7 of 15 overall and 1 for 3 from long range, while also converting 2 of 4 free throws. Zwirschitz added five rebounds, one assist, and one steal.

Gaskins was the only other player to score in double figures, posting 15 points on 6 of 15 shooting from the field, 2 of 6 from three-point range, and 1 for 2 at the stripe. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota, product, also produced three boards, two assists, a block, and a steal. 

First year forward Dani Latz was limited to eight points; however, did amass in a team-best 11 rebounds and three assists. Ellis' performance yielded seven points and eight rebounds.

Madison College finished the game shooting 38% (24-63) from the floor, 31% (5-16) from deep, and 60% (6-10) at the line. Carl Sandburg College, which took advantage of nearly twice as many trips to the free throw line (14-19), was plus-nine on the glass, plus-seven in second chance points, and plus-six in points in the paint. 

Up Next:

Madison College (8-11) wraps up a five-game homestand on Tuesday, February 4 with a Region 4 contest against Joliet Junior College (9-10). The Wolves have won the last six games over the WolfPack, who are clinging to a 22-20 edge in the all-time series. Game time is at 5:30 p.m. inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium and can be live streamed at MadisonCollege.TV.

During the game, the WolfPack and Madison College Athletics will be celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day. 

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