RIPON, Wis. -- In dominant fashion on their home floor at Weiske Gymnasium, the Ripon women's basketball team captured the Midwest Conference Tournament title Saturday afternoon, defeating Lawrence 65-29 to secure the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Division III National Tournament.
From the opening tip, Ripon set the tone defensively and never allowed Lawrence to find a rhythm. The Red Hawks held the Vikings to just six first-quarter points and 20.5 percent shooting for the game, including 1-of-16 from three-point range. Ripon forced 16 turnovers, turned those into 17 points, and controlled the paint with a 28-12 scoring advantage inside.
Offensively, the Red Hawks showcased balance and poise. Junior forward Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) led the way with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting while going 6-of-10 at the free throw line. Schlieve added four rebounds and anchored the interior presence on both ends of the floor, helping Ripon build separation in the second and third quarters.
Junior guard Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) once again delivered in a big moment, finishing with 13 points, six steals, five assists and four rebounds. Her defensive pressure ignited the Red Hawks throughout the contest, including multiple steals that led to fast-break opportunities. Havlovitz's three-pointer early in the fourth quarter pushed the lead past 20 and effectively sealed the outcome.
Senior guard Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) provided a spark from beyond the arc, knocking down a perfect 3-of-3 from three-point range on her way to 11 points. She added three rebounds and two assists, helping stretch the defense and open space inside. Rauwolf's transition layup late in the third quarter extended the margin to 15 and shifted all momentum firmly in Ripon's favor.
Sophomore forward Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) was dominant on the glass, pulling down 15 rebounds, 11 on the defensive end, while adding five points and two assists. Her work on the boards limited Lawrence to one shot per possession and fueled Ripon's ability to push the pace. Van Horn's physical presence helped the Red Hawks finish with a commanding 44-19 rebounding advantage.
Sophomore guard Karsyn Nelson (Cottage Grove, Wis., Monona Grove HS) chipped in six points and four assists, directing the offense efficiently, while freshman guard Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) added seven points off the bench, including a key three-pointer in the second quarter that stretched the lead to nine. Ripon's depth was evident throughout, as 10 different players saw the scoring column and the bench contributed 14 points.
After leading 26-17 at halftime, Ripon broke the game open in the third quarter, shooting nearly 47 percent and holding Lawrence to just seven points. The Red Hawks closed the contest with a 22-point fourth quarter, highlighted by crisp ball movement and relentless defense.
With the victory, Ripon improves to 25-2 overall and caps off a perfect 16-0 conference season with a tournament championship. The Red Hawks now await Monday's NCAA Selection Show to learn their first-round opponent and regional site as they prepare to continue their historic season on the national stage.
