MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — Lawrence University (16-5, 9-3 Midwest Conference) defeated Cornell College (13-7, 7-5 Midwest Conference), 56-39, at the Small Athletic and Wellness Center, capitalizing on 17 steals to secure the victory. The Vikings' defense forced 27 turnovers, contributing significantly to their winning margin.

Lawrence began the first quarter with a strong offensive push. Kate Adams opened the scoring with a layup, assisted by Josie Eager, setting the tone for the early minutes. Eager extended the lead with a 3-pointer, and Josie Chose added to the momentum with another layup, assisted by Charlotte Brennan. The team capitalized on defensive rebounds, limiting the Rams' second-chance opportunities.

Midway through the quarter, Lawrence maintained control with a steal by Maggie Jarzemsky, followed by a 3-pointer from Adams, assisted again by Eager. Although Cornell narrowed the gap with a couple of successful layups, the Vikings' defense kept the pressure high, forcing turnovers and securing defensive rebounds. The quarter concluded with Lawrence leading 13-11, maintaining a slight advantage going into the next quarter.

Lawrence began the second quarter with strong defensive efforts, securing four steals and two blocks, which helped disrupt Cornell's offensive flow. Despite the defensive intensity, the team struggled from beyond the arc, missing all eight of their 3-point attempts. However, they capitalized in the paint with six points, bolstered by Olivia Kesti's layup, which pushed them to a brief lead.

Midway through the quarter, a 5-point run highlighted by Adams' layup extended Lawrence's lead to 21–16. Foul trouble became an issue, with Lawrence committing eight fouls, allowing the Rams to narrow the gap through free throws. The quarter concluded with Cornell cutting the deficit to one point, leaving Lawrence ahead 21–20 at halftime.

Lawrence began the third quarter by building momentum with a series of successful plays in the paint. Sophie Morey contributed significantly with a tip-in at 9:02, followed by Eager adding another tip-in to extend Lawrence's lead early in the quarter. Despite some turnovers, Lawrence maintained defensive pressure, with Kesti blocking shots and forcing turnovers from the Rams.

As the quarter progressed, Lawrence capitalized on opportunities, including key free throws by Morey at 7:57 to widen the gap. Despite a brief scoring surge from Cornell, which included a 3-pointer by Darby Haley, Lawrence responded effectively. Kesti's jumper at 3:28 helped the team regain a narrow lead, which was further solidified by Brennan's fast-break layup in the final minute.

The quarter closed with Lawrence sealing their advantage. A late 3-pointer by Adams, assisted by Brennan, at 0:05 ensured Lawrence ended the quarter leading 35-29, demonstrating effective execution under pressure.

Lawrence opened the fourth quarter with a decisive defensive play, as Kesti recorded a steal at 9:49. Molly Deering then capitalized on the momentum by hitting a 3-pointer at 7:46, assisted by Brennan, extending Lawrence's lead. The team maintained pressure with strong defensive efforts, forcing multiple turnovers from the Rams.

Brennan continued to facilitate scoring opportunities for Lawrence, providing several key assists. Eager contributed significantly to the scoring drive with a 3-pointer at 3:58. The Vikings' efficiency from the free-throw line, highlighted by Morey's successful attempts, further widened their lead.

Lawrence closed the game by converting crucial free throws and capitalizing on turnovers. Eager sealed the victory with her final 3-pointer at 0:29, concluding the quarter with Lawrence ahead. The game ended with the Vikings securing a 56–39 win over Cornell.