MADISON, WIS.- Wisconsin opened its home season with a 75-62 victory against North Florida. Freshman Julie Pospisilova and senior Kendra Van Leeuwen stepped up to lead the team, scoring 14 points and four assists a piece, while Van Leeuwen had eight rebounds and Pospisilova three.

Senior starter Suzanne Gilreath added 13, nine coming from behind the three-point line and four at the free-throw line.

"It makes us better. It definitely tests our resiliency," head coach Jonathan Tsipis said. "I think when we were able to string those stops in a row, when we didn't give up on plays, when in transition they [North Florida] missed a couple and balls are bouncing around we were able to collect those." He wrapped up by saying "We need everybody to be able to step up and play."

And everybody did.

Forward Abby Laszewski also contributed to the team's stats, adding 10 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

Sydney Hilliard scored 11 points with five rebounds in her debut with the Badgers. "I was really nervous this morning but once I stepped on the court I was just relaxed and I told myself that I've been in a position like this before," Hilliard said. "I knew our team was ready, that I was ready, and I think we showed that on the court tonight."

Pospisilova agreed, "To be honest, I wasn't nervous at all because I've experienced tougher games before and I'm used to playing in these types of games," she said.

North Florida's Tiffany Tolbert led the Ospreys with 20 points and Janesha Green was close behind with 16. Jazz Bond led rebounds with nine.

Wisconsin's next tip will be Sunday Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. as they take on the Wofford College Terriers at the Kohl Center. Tickets can be purchased here.