APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University hockey team jumps back into Northern Collegiate Hockey Association play this weekend, and the men’s and women’s basketball team begin Midwest Conference play this week.
SWIMMING
Event: Grinnell Pioneer Classic
When and Where: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, Grinnell Natatorium.
Webcast: Pioneer Classic
Fast Fact: The Lawrence women are off to a great start this season with a 2-0 mark in dual meets. The Vikings downed Ripon 137-67 and pounded Beloit 157-31. Senior Paige Witter has already picked up Midwest Conference Swimmer of the Week honors this season after her performance in the All-Wisconsin Showcase to start the season.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (2-0, 0-0 MWC)
Opponent: Lawrence at Illinois College (2-2, 1-0 MWC)
When and Where: Friday, Dec. 2, 5:30 p.m., Sherman Gymnasium, Jacksonville, Ill.
Webcast: Lawrence at Illinois College
The Series: Illinois College holds a 20–18 edge in a series that started in 1991-92. The Lady Blues have won six straight, and Lawrence’s last victory was a 56-53 victory at Alexander Gymnasium in the 2012-13 season.
Opponent: Lawrence at at Knox (1-2, 0-0 MWC)
When and Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m., Memorial Gymnasium, Galesburg, Ill.
Webcast: Lawrence at Knox
The Series: Lawrence holds a 19-18 advantage in a series that started in the 1989-90 season. The Prairie Fire has won four in a row, and Lawrence’s last victory was a 93-92 win during the 2013-14 season.
Fast Fact: Lawrence has started the season 2-0 for the first time since the 2005-06 season. Lawrence’s 2005-06 team won its first nine games. Junior guard Olivia Hoesley is shooting a solid 47.8 percent from the floor, but Hoesley is hitting a sizzling 66.7 percent of her shots from inside the arc.
MEN’S BASKETBALL (0-2, 0-0 MWC)
Opponent: Lawrence at Illinois College (1-2, 0-1 MWC)
When and Where: Friday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Sherman Gymnasium, Jacksonville, Ill.
Webcast: Lawrence at Illinois College
The Series: In a series that dates to the 1985-86 season, Lawrence holds a 34-10 advantage over Illinois College. The Vikings have beaten the Blueboys 10 consecutive times and have won 22 of the last 24.
Opponent: Lawrence at at Knox (0-3, 0-0 MWC)
When and Where: Saturday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m., Memorial Gymnasium, Galesburg, Ill.
Webcast: Lawrence at Knox
The Series: In a series that goes all the way back to 1925, Knox holds a 61-58 edge over the Vikings. Lawrence has really closed the gap in the series in recent years. Lawrence has won nine straight over the Prairie Fire and 25 of the last 28 dating back to the 2000-01 season.
Fast Fact: The last time Lawrence started the season 0-2 was the 2010-11 season, and the Vikings broke through for its first win that season against Illinois College. Senior forward Mitch Willer is off to a solid start this season, averaging 11 points while shooting 64.3 percent from the floor. Willer blocked a career-high four shots against UW-Stevens Point this past Saturday.
HOCKEY (3-5-0, 3-1-0 NCHA)
Opponent: Lawrence vs. No. 3 St. Norbert (8-2-0, 5-1-0 NCHA)
When and Where: Friday, Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Appleton Family Ice Center; Saturday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Cornerstone Community Center, De Pere, Wis.
Webcast: Friday: Lawrence vs. St. Norbert; Saturday: Lawrence at St. Norbert
The Series: St. Norbert holds a 42-4-0 lead in a series that goes back to the 1986-87 season. Three of Lawrence’s wins in the series came against St. Norbert’s club team in the 1987-88 season.
Fast Fact: Lawrence’s youth is showing its muscle early this season. Only three seniors rank among Lawrence’s top 15 scorers through the first eight games. On the defensive end, rookie goaltender Evan Cline picked up his first career shutout in just his second career start and has a .944 save percentage and 1.67 goals against average through his first three games.