APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University (1-0, 0-0 Midwest Conference) defeated North Park University (0-1, 0-0 CCIW) on Friday, 61-47, with a strong performance in the paint, scoring 28 points. 

The opening quarter saw a closely contested matchup between Lawrence and North Park, with both teams exchanging leads. Kate Adams put Lawrence on the board early with a layup at 9:04, assisted by Olivia Kesti. North Park responded with Caroline Long's jumper, tying the score at 2-2. Later, Naomi Kaskavitch's three-pointer gave North Park a 5-2 advantage. Despite a defensive block by Sophie Morey and a layup by Josie Chose, the Vikings trailed 12-9 at the end of the quarter, with the visitors maintaining a slight edge thanks to Layla Murry's defensive rebound and subsequent free throws by Long.

Lawrence took control in the second quarter, outscoring the opponents 18-7. Chose sparked the offense with a layup at 9:30, assisted by Kesti, giving the Vikings a 12-11 lead. Charlotte Brennan extended the lead to 15-12 with two free throws at 6:47. North Park briefly tied the game at 15-15 with a three-pointer by Teresa Morrissey at 5:24, but Josie Eager quickly responded with her own three-pointer, assisted by Brennan, to reclaim the lead. Adams added a layup at 1:47, and a late tip-in by Brennan secured a 27-19 advantage heading into halftime.

In the third quarter, Lawrence extended their lead with a commanding performance, outscoring North Park 21-9. Brennan contributed significantly with two free throws at 9:19 and later added a layup at 3:39. Morey was active in the paint, scoring two layups, while Chose added a three-pointer at 1:24. The defense was also solid, with Kesti and Chose each recording a block, helping to maintain Lawrence's dominance throughout the quarter.

In the fourth quarter, North Park narrowed the gap with efficient shooting, including a 3-pointer by Murry at 8:43. The Vikings responded with a strong performance from Adams, who scored a layup and a three-pointer, pushing the lead to 55-35 by 4:45. Despite Long's efforts, contributing seven points for North Park, the Vikings maintained control. Abby Talbot's defensive contributions, including two rebounds and a block, helped Lawrence secure a 61-47 victory.

Lawrence Top Performers  

Kate Adams  
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- 24 points  
- 8 field goals made  
- 6/9 free throws made  

Charlotte Brennan  
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- 10 points  
- 4/6 free throws made  
- 5 rebounds  

Olivia Kesti  
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- 8 rebounds  
- 4 assists  
- 1 block  

Josie Chose  
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- 11 points  
- 5 field goals made  
- 8 rebounds