RIPON, Wis. -- Ripon closed out its 2026 season on Tuesday afternoon at Francis Field, falling to nationally ranked UW-Whitewater, 11-1.
The Warhawks struck early with a two-run first inning, highlighted by a solo home run and an unearned run that followed. Ripon answered immediately in the bottom half, as senior Kyler Hickman (Tracy, Calif., Merrill F. West HS) launched a solo shot to right field to cut the deficit to 2-1.
That would be the only offense the Red Hawks could generate, as UW-Whitewater's pitching staff took control the rest of the way.
Ripon starter, freshman Max Zuehlke (Madison, Wis., Madison West) kept things within reach through much of his outing, working 5.2 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) while striking out one. The Warhawks began to pull away late, capitalizing on walks and defensive miscues to break the game open with three runs in the seventh and four more in the eighth.
Hickman provided the lone highlight for Ripon, finishing 1-for-3 with a home run, one RBI, and one run scored.
The Red Hawks conclude their season with a 9-30 record.
