APPLETON, Wis. -- The Ripon College men's soccer team punches its ticket to the Midwest Conference Tournament with a decisive 3-1 victory at Lawrence University on Saturday afternoon. The win, highlighted by a pair of goals from senior Finley Manning (St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada, Holy Heart of Mary HS), locked the Red Hawks into the fourth and final postseason spot.

Manning opened the scoring in the 29th minute, his first of the day to give Ripon a 1-0 lead at halftime. Senior Matthew Hegge (Lake Villa, Ill., Warren HS) extended the advantage in the 60th minute with his second goal of the season, finishing off a strong build-up from the midfield.

Lawrence briefly cut into the lead in the 75th minute, but Ripon quickly responded. Manning sealed the result in the 85th minute with a composed penalty kick -- his second goal of the game and fifth of the season -- putting the match out of reach.

The Red Hawks controlled the run of play, outshooting the Vikings 25-12 (14 on goal) and earning eight corner kicks to Lawrence's five. Junior goalkeeper Drew Seyfer (Thiensville, Wis., Homestead HS) made seven saves, anchoring a defense that held firm despite late pressure.

With the win, Ripon finishes the regular season in fourth place in the MWC standings, earning a well-deserved spot in the conference tournament.

Tournament play begins on Friday, Nov 7, and takes place at Lake Forest College. The Red Hawks will play No. 1 seed, Lake Forest at 11 am on Friday.