LAKE FOREST, Ill. ā Lawrence University (17-5, 10-3 Midwest Conference) defeated Lake Forest College (2-21, 0-14 Midwest Conference), 62-47, at the Sports & Recreation Center, capitalizing on 27 turnovers by the Foresters to secure the win. The Vikings' defense was pivotal, recording 15 steals and 7 blocks, which contributed significantly to their victory.
Lawrence began the first quarter with strong defensive pressure, forcing Lake Forest into 10 turnovers.
Josie Eager and
Sophie Morey capitalized on these opportunities, each recording a layup to help the Vikings gain an early edge. The visitors also controlled the paint, scoring eight points inside while Lake Forest managed four.
Despite the Foresters' efforts to keep pace, including a three-pointer from Jamie Springstead, the Vikings maintained their lead.
Molly Deering's effective rebounding and scoring added to Lawrence's advantage. The quarter concluded with Lawrence leading 11-8, setting a positive tone for the game.
Lawrence began the second quarter by extending their lead with
Charlotte Brennan converting two free throws at the start. Defensive efforts were highlighted by
Kate Adams, who recorded a block early on, denying Lake Forest's attempt to close the gap. Brennan continued her impact by scoring in the paint, pushing the advantage.
Midway through the quarter, the Vikings maintained momentum as Deering secured a steal, leading to a scoring opportunity that kept Lake Forest at bay.
Olivia Kesti provided a key assist to
Josie Chose, extending Lawrence's lead further. The Foresters responded with a few successful shots but struggled against Lawrence's defense, which included four total blocks in the quarter.
As the quarter closed, Lawrence capitalized on free throws by Kesti, pushing the score to 24-16. Despite a late jumper from Lake Forest, the Vikings finished the quarter ahead, leading 24-18.
Lawrence opened the third quarter with a decisive 3-pointer from Kesti, assisted by Brennan, at 9:34. This momentum was bolstered by strong defensive plays, including three blocks and five steals, which helped to limit the Foresters' scoring opportunities. Throughout the quarter, Lawrence capitalized on turnovers, scoring nine points off Lake Forest's errors and dominating with eight points in the paint.
Brennan contributed significantly with both scoring and assists, hitting a 3-pointer at 4:20 and a jumper at 3:48. Lawrence maintained control with effective free throw shooting, converting eight of ten attempts. The quarter concluded with a layup by Brennan in the closing second, extending the lead. The Vikings led 48ā34 at the end of the third quarter.
Lawrence opened the fourth quarter by maintaining momentum from earlier with a series of defensive stops and successful free throws. Key contributions included Kesti's layup and Deering's free throws, which helped to widen the lead. Despite Lake Forest's attempts to close the gap, Lawrence's defense, highlighted by steals from Brennan and
Emma Moya, kept the pressure on.
As the quarter progressed, Lawrence capitalized on turnovers and extended their lead further with points in the paint, including layups from Moya and Adams. The Foresters managed some scoring, but Lawrence's consistent defense and effective free-throw shooting maintained their advantage.
Lawrence ended the quarter by holding off Lake Forest's late attempts to rally, securing a 62ā47 victory.