RIPON, Wis. -- Ripon College women's basketball continued its historic season on Saturday afternoon, rolling to an 88-53 victory over Monmouth College at Weiske Gymnasium. With the win, the Red Hawks clinched at least a share of the Midwest Conference regular-season title and will play for full ownership on Tuesday.

Ripon wasted no time setting the tone, opening the game with relentless defensive pressure and efficient offense. The Red Hawks jumped out to a 22-8 lead after the first quarter, forcing turnovers and converting them into points in transition. That momentum carried into the second quarter, where Ripon shot over 60 percent from the field and extended its advantage to 49-19 at halftime.

Junior Laney Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) led the offensive charge with 19 points, six assists, and five steals, showcasing her ability to control the tempo on both ends of the floor. Senior Natalie Rauwolf (Madison, Wis., Madison Memorial HS) followed with 16 points, knocking down two three-pointers and finishing strong around the basket, while sophomore Halle Van Horn (Fredonia, Wis., Random Lake HS) added 15 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting performance.

Ripon continued to assert itself in the third quarter, outscoring Monmouth 21-19 while maintaining its defensive intensity. Freshman Cali Havlovitz (Wild Rose, Wis., Wild Rose HS) provided a strong presence off the bench with seven points and six rebounds, and junior Sophie Schlieve (Antigo, Wis., Antigo HS) anchored the interior with six rebounds and three assists, helping Ripon dominate the glass 36-14.

The Red Hawks' depth was on full display throughout the afternoon, as 13 different players scored. Senior Molly Johannes (Eldorado, Wis., Laconia HS) added six points and four rebounds, senior McKenzie Bestor (La Valle, Wis., Reedsburg Area HS) chipped in four points and three rebounds, and sophomore Alex Stricker (Sheboygan, Wis., Sheboygan Lutheran HS), junior Maddi Friedle (McHenry, Ill., McHenry HS), senior Maggie Glaus (Elmwood, Wis., Elmwood HS), and freshman Payten Perea (Cheyenne, Wyo., Cheyenne East HS) each made key contributions late as Ripon comfortably closed out the game.

Ripon finished the contest shooting 53.1 percent from the field and scored 40 points off turnovers, highlighting its defensive pressure and unselfish play. The Red Hawks also controlled the paint, scoring 54 points inside, while outscoring Monmouth 30-21 off the bench.

Now 20-2 overall and 13-0 in conference play, Ripon will return to Weiske Gymnasium on Tuesday, Feb 10, to host Cornell College at 7:30pm. A win would secure sole possession of the Midwest Conference regular-season title, adding another milestone to an already remarkable season.