RIPON, Wis. -- On an emotional Senior Day at Weiske Gymnasium, Ripon College closed the regular season in historic fashion, defeating Beloit College to secure the program's first-ever undefeated Midwest Conference campaign.
The Red Hawks finish the regular season 16-0 in MWC play, marking the first time in school history that Ripon women's basketball has completed a perfect conference schedule.
Ripon controlled the game from the beginning, setting the tone defensively and converting efficiently on the offensive end. The Red Hawks shot efficiently from the field, moved the ball well in the half court, and capitalized on turnovers to build separation early. Their defensive pressure disrupted Beloit's rhythm throughout the night, leading to transition opportunities and balanced scoring.
The Red Hawks relied on balance and defensive pressure to control the game, forcing 23 turnovers and collecting 18 steals. The Red Hawks also dominated the glass with a 49-rebound effort, including 14 offensive boards that created key second-chance opportunities.
Junior guard Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) led the way with 20 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting night and a 6-of-7 performance at the free-throw line. She added six rebounds and five steals, providing a spark on both ends of the floor.
Junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) delivered a strong all-around performance off the bench, finishing with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting, including a three-pointer, while adding six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks. Freshman Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) chipped in seven points and five rebounds in 14 minutes, helping maintain momentum throughout the second half.
Ripon's rebounding presence was steady across the lineup. Senior Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) pulled down a team-high nine boards to go along with four assists and four steals, impacting the game beyond her four points. Sophomore Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) added six rebounds and four assists, while senior Molly Johannes (Eldorado, Wis., Laconia HS) contributed four rebounds and six points in her Senior Day start.
In the paint, sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) and senior Maggie Glaus (Elmwood, Wis., Elmwood HS) combined for eight rebounds and six points, anchoring the interior defensively. Senior McKenzie Bestor (La Valle, Wis., Reedsburg Area HS) was a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line and added three rebounds. Freshman Naomi Rikkola (Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Sevastopol HS) provided an efficient spark in limited minutes, scoring three points on 1-of-1 shooting.
As a team, the Red Hawks shot 76 percent (19-of-25) from the free-throw line and assisted on 14 field goals. Despite shooting just 1-of-12 from beyond the arc, Ripon controlled the tempo with defense, rebounding, and aggressive drives to the basket.
The win not only celebrated the program's seniors but cemented a historic milestone, Ripon's first-ever undefeated Midwest Conference regular season.
With the regular season complete, the Red Hawks now turn their attention to postseason play. Ripon will host Cornell College on Friday, Feb 27 in the first round of the Midwest Conference Tournament inside Weiske Gymnasium, looking to extend its remarkable run on its home floor.
