APPLETON, Wis. ā Lawrence University (7-0, 2-0 Midwest Conference) defeated Lake Forest College (2-6, 0-1 Midwest Conference), 73-58, at Alexander Gym, led by a dominant performance with 13 blocks and 25 made free throws.
Lawrence started the first quarter strong, with
Kate Adams draining a 3-pointer assisted by
Charlotte Brennan at 6:53 to initiate the scoring. Despite early shooting challenges, the home team capitalized on free throws, converting 9 of 10 attempts, which proved crucial in maintaining their offensive momentum.
Olivia Kesti contributed defensively with two blocks, helping to limit the Foresters' scoring opportunities. Lawrence's defense forced turnovers, and
Josie Chose tied the game at 10-10 with a pair of free throws at 1:38. The quarter concluded with
Sophie Morey's two successful free throws with just 3 seconds remaining, giving the Vikings a narrow 14-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Lawrence began the second quarter with a focus on maintaining momentum, as Kesti secured a defensive rebound early on. Brennan knocked down a jumper to briefly reclaim the lead at 16-15. However, Lake Forest responded with a series of successful plays, including a 3-pointer by Emma Hart, to edge ahead.
The Vikings kept the pressure, with Adams knocking down a three-pointer to tie the game at 24-24. A defensive rebound and assist by
Josie Eager led to a go-ahead jumper from Chose. Despite this effort, the Foresters' shooting, including a late three-pointer by Jamie Springstead, helped them close the quarter ahead.
In the closing moments, Lawrence's Kesti completed a tip-in at the buzzer, narrowing the gap. The quarter ended with Lake Forest leading 35-33.
The third quarter began with Morey equalizing for Lawrence with two free throws at 9:38. The Vikings then capitalized on a turnover by Lake Forest to take the lead at 5:50, with Adams converting a fast-break layup. Kesti extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 2:14, assisted by Eager, making it 48ā46. Lawrence's defense contributed significantly, with Chose and Kesti each recording blocks, and Morey adding crucial free throws in the final seconds. The quarter closed with the Vikings leading 54ā46.
Lawrence entered the fourth quarter with a strong defensive presence, highlighted by five blocks, including two critical ones early by Morey. Brennan capitalized on turnovers, converting a layup and a free throw at 8:08, extending the lead to 57ā46.
As the quarter progressed, the Vikings maintained control, aided by Eager's crucial three-pointer and subsequent layup, which widened the margin. Eager also secured a defensive rebound and converted crucial free throws in the final seconds. Lawrence finished the quarter with a 19ā12 advantage, securing a 73ā58 victory.
Lawrence Top Performers Ā
Kate Adams Ā
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- 20 points Ā
- 4 3-pointers Ā
- 4 steals Ā
Sophie Morey Ā
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- 12 points Ā
- 10/10 free throws made Ā
- 12 rebounds Ā
Olivia Kesti Ā
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- 11 points Ā
- 5 blocks Ā
- 14 rebounds Ā
Charlotte Brennan Ā
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- 9 points Ā
- 2 blocks Ā
- 3 steals