RIPON, Wisconsin – Following its league record sixth-straight Midwest Conference title, the Ripon women's basketball program was selected to win the conference crown once again after the MWC Preseason Coaches Poll was released on Wednesday morning.
Ripon cruised to the 2023-24 Midwest Conference regular season title, and won its second MWC Tournament crown in the last three years with an 84-70 victory over Knox inside the Willmore Center. The Red Hawks advanced to their third NCAA Tournament in the last five full seasons, bowing out to Sweet-16 participant Hope 65-54.
The full poll is listed below.
Head coach
Lauren Busalacchi brings back Midwest Conference Player of the Year
Ella Ten Pas, along with starters
Bella Opelt,
Natalie Rauwolf and
Laney Havlovitz. A total of 15 Red Hawks return from last year's championship squad, while six freshmen round out the 2024-25 team.
Ripon commences its season on Saturday, November 9 as the Red Hawks visit Puget Sound for a 6 p.m. CT tipoff. The Red Hawks' home opener is slated for Saturday, November 30 at 1 p.m. against Carroll.
2024 Midwest Conference Preseason Poll
1. Ripon College (6 first-place votes) - 62 points
2. Knox College (2) - 56 points
3. Lawrence University (1) - 51 points
4. Illinois College - 40 points
5. Grinnell College - 36 points
6. Cornell College - 34 points
7. Lake Forest College - 18 points
8. Beloit College - 14 points
9. Monmouth College - 13 points
FOLLOW: Follow Ripon College Red Hawks Athletics on Facebook and @RiponRedHawks on Twitter for immediate updates, results and more. Go to riponredhawks.com for all information, releases and schedules.