APPLETON, Wis. — Both Lawrence University men’s basketball and hockey face crucial games this week as both teams strive for postseason berths. Both teams have four games left in the regular season and are currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (2-17, 0-14 MWC)
Opponent: Lawrence at Ripon (13-6, 11-3 MWC)
When and Where: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m., Storzer Center, Ripon, Wis.
Webcast: Lawrence at Ripon
The Series: Ripon has a 53-28 advantage in a series that started in 1975-76, the first season of Lawrence basketball. The Red Hawks have won 18 straight against Lawrence.
Opponent: Lawrence vs. Monmouth (2-17, 2-12 MWC)
When and Where: Saturday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m., Alexander Gymnasium.
Webcast: Lawrence vs. Monmouth
The Series: Monmouth has a 21-11 advantage over Lawrence in a series that started in the 1988-89 season. The Scots have won the last 17 meetings.
Fast Fact: Junior guard Natalie Kramer is in her best stretch of the season after having scored in double figures in three of the last four games. Kramer is averaging 11 points per game over that period.
MEN’S BASKETBALL (8-10, 8-6 MWC)
Opponent: Lawrence at Ripon (14-5, 10-4 MWC)
When and Where: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 7:30 p.m., Storzer Center, Ripon, Wis.
Webcast: Lawrence at Ripon
The Series: In a series that goes all the way back to 1906, Ripon holds a 138-81 edge over the Vikings. Ripon has won eight straight, but prior to that, Lawrence had taken 14 of the previous 21.
Opponent: Lawrence vs. Monmouth (6-13, 6-8 MWC)
When and Where: Saturday, Feb. 11, 3 p.m., Alexander Gymnasium.
Webcast: Lawrence vs. Monmouth
The Series: Monmouth holds a 70-41 edge in a series that dates to 1926. Lawrence has put a dent in that deficit under head coach Joel DePagter, whose teams are 14-3 against the Scots.
Fast Fact: Lawrence faces a critical stretch of games if it wants to make the four-team Midwest Conference Tournament. Lawrence will likely need to win at least of its final four contests and get some help to make the tourney. The Vikings will honor seniors Pete Winslow, Mitch Willer and Connor Weas before Saturday’s game against Monmouth.
HOCKEY (5-13-3, 4-9-3 NCHA)
Opponent: Lawrence vs. Northland (9-10-2, 7-8-1 NCHA)
When and Where: Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m., Appleton Family Ice Center.
Webcast: Lawrence vs. Northland
The Series: In a series that started in the 1997-98 season, Lawrence holds a commanding 59-15-3 advantage over the Lumberjacks. Lawrence is 3-0-2 in its last five games against Northland.
Fast Fact: This is a make-or-break weekend for the Vikings, who are four points behind Northland for the final playoff spot from the North Division. A pair of wins would pull the Vikings even with the Lumberbacks and give Lawrence the tiebreaker.
MEN’S TENNIS (1-0)
Opponent: Lawrence vs. UW-La Crosse (0-1)
When and Where: Friday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Fox Cities Racquet Club.
Webcast: None.
Fast Fact: The Vikings opened the spring season with a win over MSOE on Sunday and a pair of rookies, Cade Francour and Aidan Delgado, both picked up their first career singles victories.