RIPON, Wis. - Entering the day ranked first in the Midwest Conference for fewest points allowed per game, the Ripon College women's basketball team solidified that ranking, defeating Beloit 57-38 on Wednesday in a game in which they never trailed. The Red Hawks held Beloit to 29 percent (13-45) shooting, including just eight percent (2-24) in the first half. Ripon scored 10 points off turnovers, while also recording seven steals and five blocked shots.

The Red Hawks (4-3, 2-1 MWC) was nothing short of dominant in the first quarter, which saw them outscore Beloit (2-6, 1-3 MWC) by a score of 18-1. Beloit's first field goal didn't come until mid-way through the second quarter, while Ripon built a 22-5 lead, before going into halftime leading 26-6.

The second half was much more competitive, but Ripon had already built a lead that would remain in double digits for the remainder of the contest. The Red Hawks took their largest lead of 25 mid-way through the fourth quarter on a Megan Dille basket.

More than half of Ripon's points came in the paint where they outscored Beloit 36-10. Dille led the Red Hawks with 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting, while also pulling down four rebounds (three offensive). Emma McDonald added 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Eleanore Mueller posted 10 points and five rebounds off the bench. Maggie Oimoen also chipped in with nine points and nine rebounds (three offensive). Ripon out-rebounded the Buccaneers by a 50-24 margin.

Shelby Kline led Beloit with 15 points, while also recording five rebounds and two assists. Three other players were tied for second on the team with five points.

The Red Hawks will try to build on their momentum Saturday when they'll travel to Knox College. That game will begin at 3 p.m. in Galesburg, Ill., and can be seen live at https://portal.stretchinternet.com/knox/.