BELOIT, Wis. -- The Ripon College women's basketball team opened Midwest Conference play in dominating fashion on Tuesday night, piecing together its most complete performance of the season in a 79-25 road victory at Beloit. With balanced scoring, relentless defensive pressure, and overwhelming control on the glass, the Red Hawks improved to 6-2 overall and 1-0 in conference action.
From the opening tip, Ripon established the pace and physicality of the game. The Red Hawks opened on a 10-2 run fueled by crisp ball movement and paint touches, setting the tone for a dominant first quarter in which they shot 56% from the field while holding Beloit to just two made baskets. By the time the first period ended, Ripon led 20-6 and had already showcased the defensive intensity that would define the entire night.
Ripon continued to build separation in the second quarter, outscoring Beloit 20-6 once again to take a 40-12 lead into halftime. The Red Hawks suffocated passing lanes, forced 16 first-half turnovers, and pushed the ball in transition whenever possible. That defensive pressure translated seamlessly into offense; Ripon tallied 20 fastbreak points on the night and scored 28 points off turnovers.
While the defensive effort set the foundation, the offense was equally impressive. Ripon shot an even 50% from the field and scored 50 points in the paint. Eighteen different players saw action, and 17 recorded at least one point, a reflection of the team's depth and unselfishness. The Red Hawks also owned the glass from start to finish, outrebounding Beloit 53-22 and generating 22 second-chance points.
Junior Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) delivered one of her strongest all-around performances of the season, finishing with 13 points, seven rebounds, and a team-high five assists. Her ability to rebound, push tempo, and make plays for others consistently sparked Ripon's transition offense. Sophomore Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) added 12 points and four rebounds, repeatedly attacking the basket and converting through contact. Junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) was a force inside with 10 points and nine rebounds, helping Ripon control both ends of the paint.
Freshman Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) chipped in nine points, including a momentum-building three late in the first quarter, while sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis. Random Lake HS; eight points), junior Maddi Friedle (McHenry, Ill., McHenry HS; seven), and freshman Moriah Sears (Spanaway, Wash., Bethel HS; five) each provided efficient scoring off the bench. Ripon's reserves combined for 34 points, continuing the pressure even as lineups rotated throughout the game.
The Red Hawks extended their lead to 61-17 by the end of the third quarter and never looked back, closing out the win with another strong defensive frame. By the final buzzer, Ripon had held Beloit under 10 points in all four quarters, an impressive statement in their first conference matchup.
Ripon now turns its focus to continuing league play later this week, looking to build on tonight's commanding performance. Ripon's next game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 6, at Cornell College. Tip off is set for 3 pm.
