APPLETON, Wis. - Lawrence led Saturday's conference-opening game for the majority of the contest, but it was Ripon that came through when it mattered, scoring the game's final six points to escape with a 41-40 victory over the Vikings. The win marks Ripon's 15th consecutive over Lawrence, dating back to 2007.

Ripon (1-2, 1-0 MWC) controlled the game for the first six and a half minutes, before Lawrence (0-3, 0-1 MWC) used a 13-3 run to take a nine point lead with 10 minutes left in the half. The Vikings would lead for the remainder of the period, taking a 28-22 lead into halftime. Lawrence shot 41 percent (10-24) in the period, while Ripon converted 35 percent (8-23) of their shots.

Lawrence continued to keep the Red Hawks at arms length in the second period, going up by as many as 12 points. Ripon then showed what they were made of, scoring 14 of the game's final 15 points. With just under one and a half minutes, Lawrence still led by one, but a pair of Meg Ryan free throws with 30 seconds remaining gave Ripon the lead for good and helped secure the victory.

Nicole Herkert led the Red Hawks with her second career double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down a career-high 13 rebounds (six offensive). Ryan and McKenzie Banasik also scored 10 points apiece, while combining for three 3-pointers.

Lawrence was led by 11 points and seven rebounds from Danelle Buck, while Elizabeth Arco added eight points and 10 boards. Andrea Wilkinson chipped in with nine points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Red Hawks will be in action again on Tuesday for their 2014 home opener against Marian University at 7 p.m. That night will also serve as Alzheimer's Awareness night in which all fans wearing purple will receive free admission and donations will be accepted throughout the night to go towards Alzheimer's research.