GALESBURG, Ill. -- The Ripon Red Hawks earned a hard-fought 82-77 road victory Saturday afternoon at Knox, using balanced scoring and timely defensive stops to secure the conference win.

Junior Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) led the way with 26 points, attacking downhill and converting in transition while adding five rebounds and four steals. She shot 9-of-17 from the field and knocked down key free throws late to help seal the game. Havlovitz's energy on both ends of the floor set the tone, particularly during pivotal stretches in the second half.

Junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) delivered a strong all-around performance with 16 points and a team-high 13 rebounds for a double-double. She battled inside throughout the contest, creating second-chance opportunities and protecting the rim with three blocks. Schlieve's presence in the paint proved crucial, especially in the closing minutes as Knox attempted to rally.

Senior Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) added 12 points, including a three-pointer, while contributing three steals, one assist, and two rebounds. Sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) controlled the offense effectively, finishing with seven points and four rebounds. 

Freshman Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) provided a spark off the bench with nine points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a three-pointer and strong finishes in the lane. Senior Molly Johannes (Eldorado, Wis., Laconia HS) chipped in four points and four rebounds, while senior McKenzie Bestor (La Valle, Wis., Reedsburg Area HS) added four points, highlighted by a timely three-pointer in the third quarter. Sophomore Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) rounded out the scoring with four points and added two steals on the defensive end.

As a team, Ripon shot 45.3 percent from the floor and forced 27 turnovers, converting those opportunities into 26 points. The Red Hawks also controlled the glass with 37 total rebounds while generating 17 second-chance points.

Ripon now returns home to prepare for Senior Day on Saturday, Feb 21, when they host the Beloit Buccaneers. With momentum from another conference victory, the Red Hawks will look to honor their seniors with a strong performance in front of their home crowd.