MADISON, Wis. — The Badgers took to the court for the first time in the 2023-24 season with an exhibition match against UW-Whitewater, and gave a sneak peak into the season to come.

Ronnie Porter started off the scoring with a strong contested layup at the net, and from there it was smooth sailing from the Badgers. Serah Williams took over, scoring 24 points (9-14 FG, 6-7 FT) in the first half, while accumulating four rebounds. The sophomore concluded the game with a total of 30 points (12-17 FG, 6-7 FT) and five rebounds, and served as an unstoppable force for Wisconsin. 

Alongside Williams, starters Porter and freshmen D'Yanis Jimenez were the next highest scorers with Porter tallying 18 points (7-8 FG, 1-1 3 FG, 3-4 FT) and Jimenez adding 15 (5-13 FG, 0-2 3 FG, 5-6 FT). Senior Brooke Schramek contributed seven points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3 FG, 1-2 FT) with two three-pointers, and Natalie Leuzinger tallied a team-high six rebounds.

There were lots of new faces on the court today, with freshman Jimenez cracking the starting lineup. The Badgers other four freshmen made their Kohl Center debuts as well, which included Leena Patibandla, Ana Guillen, Tessa Grady, and Imbie Jones.

Wisconsin shot 49.2% (32-65) from the field, including 31.3% (5-16) from 3-point range. The Badgers were also 78.9% (15-19) from the free-throw line. The team combined for 37 rebounds 17 assists and 11 steals.

UW-Whitewater went 38.6% (11-24) from field-goal range, including 35.3% (4-8) from behind the arc and 66.7% (11-15) from the free-throw line. Aleah Grundahl scored a team-high 13 points (4-13 FG, 0-1 3 FG, 5-8 FT) and added four rebounds and two assists. Kaci Carollo was another key contributor for UWW, adding on 10 points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3 FG, 2-2 FT) and a concluded with a team-high seven rebounds. 

Notes to know

• Serah Williams put on a dominant performance, scoring 30 points (12-17 FG, 6-7 FT)

• Sophomore Ronnie Porter finished with 18 points (7-8 FG, 1-1 3 FG, 3-4 FT), eight assists and five rebounds

• 11 of 14 Badgers saw action during the exhibition match, including all five of the team's freshmen

Up next

Wisconsin will face Milwaukee in their home opener Tuesday, Nov. 7. Tip time is 6:30 p.m from the Kohl Center, and will be streamed live on BTN+