APPLETON, Wis. - Ripon fell behind early, but made two big comebacks to get back into the game, only to lose to Lawrence 54-49. Neither team shot all that well in the first half, with both squads making less than 38 percent of their shots. Lawrence made up for that however, shooting 50 percent (11-22) in the second period, helping them secure the victory.

The Red Hawks kept the game close for the first few minutes, before Lawrence went on a 10-2 run to go up by 13 points. Just when it looked as if the Vikings would run away with the game, Ripon scored the last 10 points of the half, which was capped by a three-pointer by Morgan Roberts. That basket cut the lead to three as the two teams headed to the locker rooms. The Vikings missed their last nine shots in the half, as the momentum shifted the Red Hawk's way.

The two teams traded baskets to start the second half, before Lawrence went on another run, much like they did early in the first half. The Vikings scored eight consecutive points to take an 11-point lead and looked like they would pull away once again. Also like the first half though, Ripon wouldn't lie down. The Red Hawks slowly, but surely cut into the lead, reducing it to three points on a Theresa Kenney layup with 45 seconds remaining. It was too little, too late however, as Lawrence would ice the game with a couple free throws down the stretch.

Ripon's Jessica DeHamer recorded team-highs of 16 points and seven rebounds in the losing cause. Morgan Roberts finished with nine points, all coming from behind the three-point line. The Red Hawks, who made three-of-four three-point shots in the first half, went cold from behind the arc in the second period, missing all eight of their attempts.

The Vikings were led by Carrie Van Groll, who scored a game-high 18 points off the bench. Chelsie Barnard scored 11, while also grabbing six rebounds. Lawrence sealed the game, thanks to their 70 percent (7-10) shooting from the free throw line.

Things won't get any easier for the Red Hawks, as they'll stay on the road to face conference co-leader Carroll College next Wednesday. Gametime is set for 5:30 p.m. in Waukesha, Wis. and will be followed by the men's contest with the Pioneers.