APPLETON, Wis. -- The Ripon College volleyball team battled through five tightly contested sets on Wednesday night but came up short, falling 3-2 (27-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-27, 8-15) to Lawrence University in Midwest Conference play.

Despite the loss, the Red Hawks (7-14, 1-2 MWC) put together a strong offensive performance, matching the Vikings with 59 kills apiece. Sophomore Makenna Harren (Rosemount, Minn., Rosemount HS) led the way with a team high 19 kills and an outstanding .441 hitting percentage, while sophomore Hannah Michaels (Waukesha, Wis., Waukesha North HS) and freshman Addi Johnson (Milwaukee, Wis., Wisconsin Lutheran HS) added 13 and 12 kills, respectively. 

Senior Emily Braun (Juneau, Wis., Dodgeland HS) and freshman Mattea Jacobson (Saint Croix Falls, Wis., Saint Croix Falls HS) directed the attack with 21 and 19 assists, and freshman Bryn Carlson (Green Lake, Wis., Ripon HS) anchored the defense with 13 digs. Seniors Samantha Differt (Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Sevastopol HS) and Michaela Riege (Waterloo, Wis., Bryant & Stratton College) each tallied three service aces, keeping Ripon competitive throughout the night.

After taking a 2-1 match lead, the Red Hawks nearly sealed the victory in the fourth set before Lawrence rallied late to force a decisive fifth. The Vikings carried that momentum into the final frame, pulling ahead early and securing the 15-8 win over Ripon College.

Ripon returns to action on Friday, Oct 17, when they travel to Illinois College for another Midwest Conference matchup. First serve is set for 7 pm.