Kenosha, Wis. - The Wheaton women's basketball team opened its 2021-22 CCIW schedule on Wednesday night at Carthage College (4-2, 1-0 CCIW). The Firebirds defeated the Thunder 50-39 in the conference opener. Wheaton is now 7-1 on the season, with an 0-1 record in conference play.

Senior Hannah Swider led the Thunder with 13 points and six rebounds. She added two steals with two assists. Junior Annie Tate recorded a 'double-double' with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Caylee Hermanson  scored five points with four rebounds and two assists. Lily Schwen scored four points with five rebounds, and Caroline Sikkink also grabbed five rebounds.

Wheaton shot a season-low 27.6% (16-of-58) from the field, including 17.9% (5-for-28) from three-point range. Carthage posted a 33.3% (16-of-48) field goal percentage, including 40% (6-of-15) behind the three-point arc. Carthage made 22 trips to the free throw line, shooting 54.5% (12-of-22) at the charity stripe and Wheaton shot 66.7% (2-of-3) at the line.

Lauren Herrmann scored a game-high 14 points for Carthage, with two assists. Destiny Antoine scored 11 points with five rebounds for the hosts. Ayanna Ester scored eight points and Kelsey Coshun grabbed a team-high nine rebounds for the Redbirds.

The Thunder remain in conference play on Saturday afternoon in a 2:00 p.m. tipoff at Elmhurst University.