EAU CLAIRE, Wis. -- The Ripon College women's basketball team continued its strong start to the 2025-26 season with a hard-fought 78-73 road victory over UW–Eau Claire on Sunday afternoon at the Sonnentag Event Center.

Four Red Hawks scored in double figures as Ripon improved to 2-0 on the season. Junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) led the way with 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, while sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) added 17 points and seven rebounds. Senior Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) chipped in 16 points, including three 3-pointers, and sophomore Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) filled the stat sheet with 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

Ripon built an early lead, outscoring the Blugolds 16-11 in the first quarter and taking a 32-28 advantage into halftime. UW–Eau Claire surged ahead in the third with a 27-point frame, but the Red Hawks responded in a big way down the stretch. Ripon exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field and 9-for-13 from the free throw line to close out the win.

Team play and defensive grit proved key, as Ripon forced 18 turnovers that led to 19 points and won the battle in the paint 42-34. The Red Hawks also dominated the glass, pulling down 42 rebounds to Eau Claire's 34.

With the win, Ripon moves to 2-0 on the year ahead of Wednesday night's matchup at Edgewood College. Tipoff is set for 7 pm in Madison.