MONMOUTH, Ill. -- Ripon controlled the game from start to finish Wednesday night, earning a convincing 76-40 road victory over Monmouth at Glennie Gymnasium. The Red Hawks set the tone early and steadily built their advantage behind balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and consistent defensive pressure.

Ripon opened the game with a sharp defensive effort, holding Monmouth to just six points in the first quarter while building a 15-6 lead. The Red Hawks continued to extend the margin in the second quarter, leaning on efficient interior play and active rebounding. Senior Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) provided an early spark with timely perimeter shooting, while junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) controlled the paint on both ends of the floor. Ripon went into halftime up 33-15, firmly in command.

The game swung decisively in the third quarter, as Ripon delivered its most productive stretch of the night. The Red Hawks outscored Monmouth 28-12 in the period, highlighted by crisp ball movement and an aggressive transition attack. Rauwolf knocked down multiple three-pointers during the run, finishing the night with a team-high 11 points. Freshman Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) added a key triple during the surge, and senior McKenzie Bestor (La Valle, Wis., Reedsburg Area HS) chipped in with a three and four made free throws as Ripon's lead grew.

Schlieve anchored the effort inside, posting eight points while pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds. Sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) filled the stat sheet with nine rebounds and four assists, helping Ripon consistently generate second-chance opportunities and quality looks. Sophomore Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) added eight points and helped push the pace offensively, while junior Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) contributed seven points and steady defensive pressure.

Ripon's depth also played a major role in the win, as the bench accounted for 38 points. Freshman Moriah Sears (Spanaway, Wash., Bethel HS) scored eight points, including several key free throws, while sophomore Kyley Elmblad (Marquette, Mich., Marquette Senior HS) and freshman Naomi Rikkola (Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Sevastopol HS) provided energy and scoring in the second half. The Red Hawks finished with 57 rebounds and forced 18 turnovers, turning defense into offense throughout the night.

Ripon will look to carry its momentum into its next contest on Saturday, Jan 10, when the Red Hawks travel to Illinois College for a 3pm Midwest Conference matchup.