The UW-Platteville Pioneer women’s basketball team has overcome challenges this season, but they are looking to finish on a positive note as the 2008-09 season comes to an end. The Pioneers were not so fortunate in their rematch game at UW-La Crosse on Feb. 4 where they suffered an 80-50 loss.

In preparation for the rematch, the Pioneers were watching film from their previous meeting versus UW-L figuring out what offense and defense to run. “We try to formulate a game plan,” said head coach Tina Kuhle.

The results of the game were not what the coaches and players were hoping for. During the first half, the Pioneers played a decent game but in the second half they couldn’t follow up on rebounds and had repeated turnovers.
“They gave 110 percent, I can’t fault the effort,” coach Kuhle said.

As the season comes to an end, UW-P hopes to keep the momentum up. Coach Kuhle believes that can be done by the leadership of their captains, senior forward Lisa Grantman and junior guard Charity Stotmeister, who bring the intensity level needed for practices and games.

“We really want to make the conference tournament,” sophomore shooting guard Angie Vamstad said. “That goal is momentum for the team to finish the season strong.”

The rest of the season the team plans to work on consistency. “Execution and working more as a team [is important],” Vamstad said. “When we do that, we can beat anyone.”

As far as next season goes, Coach Kuhle expects sophomore guard Ashley Wolf, Vamstad and sophomore center Ashley Callahan to step up their roles on the team as well as keeping junior guard Vanessa Nemitz and sophomore guard Brianna Klaas healthy in the lineup.

The Pioneers are set to host UW-Superior Yellowjackets at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 in the Williams Fieldhouse on Bo Ryan Court.