Joseph Vanden Acker

Author: Joseph Vanden Acker

Merkle earns All-MWC soccer honors; Vikings win Sportsmanship Award

Casey Merkle
Casey Merkle

APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University women’s soccer standout Casey Merkle has been chosen for the All-Midwest Conference team in a vote of league coaches.

Merkle (Tower Lakes, Ill./Barrington), a senior defender/midfielder, was chosen for the second team. This is the second all-conference selection for Merkle, who received honorable mention in 2013.

Merkle finished the season with one goal but played multiple roles for the Vikings. Not only did she help anchor the defense, but she also helped the Vikings get into the attack.

Merkle, who was named a Midwest Conference Player of the Week during her career, finished her career with 15 goals and 11 assists for 41 points. She had a career-high six goals in 2014 and had a career-best five assists in 2013.

Lawrence also earned the league’s Sportsmanship Award in a vote of the league’s coaches.

Vikings look for balance in building men’s basketball squad

APPLETON, Wis. — As much as the Lawrence University men’s basketball team has changed for 2016-17, the more it stays the same.

Gone is All-Midwest Conference performer and Jostens Trophy finalist Jamie Nikitas, along with his 25.1-point per game average. But the Vikings return a dynamic and versatile nucleus that includes outside shooting, size and a defensive presence.

“Jamie’s a big loss, just black and white statistically, it’s a huge loss. Those guys are hard to replace,” Lawrence coach Joel DePagter said. “From a basketball and team standpoint, we haven’t talked about him not being here at all. It doesn’t change what we’re trying to do as a team. It can’t ever be about one person, whether it’s one person going out or one person coming in.”

The Vikings, who open the season Wednesday at Wisconsin Lutheran College, built their reputation over the past 15 years on balance, grit and versatility, and that’s what this team brings to the table.

“We have to be more of a balanced team, which is not a bad thing. The way we play, we’ve never been based on one person,” DePagter said.

The Vikings return starting guard Jeremy Stephani, who averaged 11.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season. The entire frontcourt also returns with center Mitch Miller (9.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.1 bpg), forward Ben Peterson (6.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg) and wing player Connor Weas (3.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg).

Valuable reserves Pete Winslow and Eric Weiss are both back after missing multiple games due to injury last season as are the gritty Evan McLaughlin and George Mavrakis.

Entering into the mix are eight newcomers, seven freshmen and one sophomore transfer.

“Literally half the team is new and half the team is back. It may take a little time for those two groups to jell,” DePagter said. “We certainly will have freshmen play and freshmen starting along with guys who haved played quite a bit.”

Among the most intriguing newcomers are ultra-quick rookie guards Quinn Fisher and Abhishek Venkatesh. Fisher was Peterson’s teammate at Fenwick in the Chicago suburbs, and Venkatesh hails from Nike’s hometown of Beaverton, Ore. The Vikings also have a host of new big men, including 6-foot-6 Jason Dougherty and 6-4 Tyler Klug.

“It’s a good class. It’s a good base for the future, but some of those guys will have to contribute this year,” DePagter said.

“We will be back to the way we’re trying to do it with 10, 11, 12 guys. Whoever is playing well will go. It’s good, it’s a great thing. It also makes it hard to find which guys you want on the floor. It’s going to take a while to find some of those lineups that work well together.”

The Vikings will be working through these things against a challenging early schedule. Lawrence’s first home game is Nov. 26 vs. UW-Stevens Point, and the Vikings face both St. Norbert and Grinnell in early December.

“This year there are more unknowns but the ceiling is probably higher,” said DePagter, whose team was picked to finish eighth in the league. “We have the numbers and we have the depth to be the Lawrence we want to be.”

 

Vikings enter season hungry for success

APPLETON, Wis. — It’s been an uphill struggle in the first three seasons of Ashley Wellman’s tenure as Lawrence University women’s basketball coach.

She took over a program that was at the bottom of the Midwest Conference and rolled up her sleeves. As the upcoming season gets set to tip off Tuesday at Maranatha Baptist, Wellman thinks the climb may be leveling off just a bit.

“This is the best team I’ve coached here in regards to the desire to change things and move things forward. We are no long coaching work ethic, attitude. Everyone is on the same page and has the strong desire to move forward,” Wellman said.

“We finally feel like we’re at a turning point. It may not show up in the wins and losses, but we’re going to be more competitive this year because of their strong desire to accomplish something.”

The Vikings return seven players from last year’s squad, including the lone senior, forward and Appleton native Aubrey Scott. She is the top returning scorer at a modest 4.4 points per game.

A strong junior class of guards Natalie Kramer, Olivia Hoesley, Nicole Cummins and Lauren Deveikis give the Vikings shooting and ball handling. Also back is sophomore forward and the Vikings’ tallest player, 6-foot Leah Reeves.

While the Vikings lost their top three scorers from last season, Wellman believes they have the players in place to make up for the losses.

“I think everyone will pick up a little piece of that,” We won’t have someone who is going to give us 15 to 20 points a game, but we will have people who will give us pieces of that every game.”

The Vikings also have four newcomers with guards Shonell Benjamin and Grace Minogue figuring to see major minutes.

“We have a core of eight players who will receive a lot of minutes,” Wellman said. “We’re mixing up lineups a lot right now, and we’re also moving people out of positions they’ve had in the past to get a better fit.”

Wellman readily admits there is work to do for the Vikings throughout the season, but she also sees progress.

“They are getting a little better each day, and that’s all we can ask for,” she said.

Wellman added this group has responded well to criticism and now seeks out the coaches for individual instruction.

“This is the first time in four years that I believe they are hungry for (success),” Wellman said. “Our players have been coming in with some of our assistant coaches and going to work. They have been coming in together and in small groups, but they are together. That shows me they are ready to do something about it rather than talking about it.”

 

The Week Ahead: November 14-20

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University basketball teams open their seasons this week, and Vikings hockey has a big home series this weekend that includes a charity game on Friday.

LU Sports-VikingBasketball-PMS294WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (0-0)

Opponent: Lawrence at Maranatha Baptist (0-0)

When and Where: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Maranatha Gymnasium, Watertown, Wis.

Webcast: Lawrence at Maranatha Baptist

Series: In a series that stretches back to 1975, Lawrence holds a 16-1 advantage. The teams haven’t played since late in the 2014-15 season, and the Vikings downed Maranatha 73-39 in that contest at Alexander Gymnasium.

Opponent: Lawrence vs. Marian (0-0)

When and Where: Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Alexander Gymnasium.

Webcast: Lawrence vs. Marian

Series: In a series that started in the 1975-76 season, Lawrence has a 27-24 advantage. The Sabres have won the last six meetings, including a 57-28 victory at Marian last season.

Fast Fact: The Vikings are looking to get the season off to a good start after going winless in 2015-16. Lawrence returns just two starters from last year’s team, but the Vikings have high hopes for a strong junior class to help carry the club.

LU Sports-VikingBasketball-PMS294MEN’S BASKETBALL (0-0)

Opponent: Lawrence at Wisconsin Lutheran (0-0)

When and Where: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Recreation Complex, Milwaukee, Wis.

Webcast: Lawrence at Wisconsin Lutheran

Series: Lawrence has a 15-7 lead in the series, which started in the 1986-87 season. The Vikings had won seven consecutive games against the Warriors before Wisconsin Lutheran pulled off a 71-70 upset at Alexander Gymnasium last season. The Vikings missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have won it.

Fast Fact: This is a new-look Vikings squad with eight new faces to go with eight returning players. Although Jostens Trophy finalist Jamie Nikitas was lost to graduation, the Vikings return a solid core of players with starters Jeremy Stephani, Mitch Willer and Connor Weas all back in the lineup.

LU Sports-VikingHockey-PMS301HOCKEY (1-3-0, 1-1-0 NCHA)

Opponent: Lawrence vs. Finlandia (0-6-0, 0-4-0 NCHA)

When and Where: Friday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19, 4 p.m.; both games at Appleton Family Ice Center.

Webcast: Lawrence vs. Finlandia

Series: In a series that started in the 2000-01 season, Lawrence has a 23-21-5 advantage over the Lions. The teams have split the series each of the last three seasons.

Fast Fact: Friday’s game is a charity event to benefit the Appleton Police Benevolent Association. Lawrence players will wear custom-made jerseys with the Appleton Police Department logo. The jerseys will be auctioned off through a silent auction from Nov. 18-Dec. 9, which marks the end of the first half of the season.

Janusiak races to all-region honors at Midwest Regional

Josh Janusiak
Josh Janusiak

WINNECONNE, Wis. — Lawrence University cross country star Josh Janusiak raced to 26th place Saturday to pace the Vikings at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional at Lake Breeze Golf Club.

Janusiak covered the 8,000 meters in 25:26, the fourth-fastest time in Lawrence history. He also earned a spot on the all-region team, which is the top 35, and will learn Sunday if he won an at-large berth for the NCAA Division III Championships.

Led by Janusiak and freshman Joe Kortenhof, who finished 49th in 25:55, the Vikings placed 20th with 569 points. Kortenhof was fifth among all freshmen in the meet, and the Lawrence duo finished 1-2 among all Midwest Conference runners. North Central (Ill.) won the team title with 37 points.

Rounding out the scoring for Lawrence were Ben Schaefer (138th, 27:28), Mayan Essak (141st, 27:33) and Alec Timpe (215th, 32:26).

On the women’s side, Lawrence finished 24th with 729 points, and Washington (Mo.) won with 66 points.

The top finisher for the Vikings was rookie Christina Sedall, who was 115th and covered the 6,000 meters in 24:10. Hannah Kinzer was 117th in 24:12, and the rest of the scorers were Amy Hutchings (162nd, 25:07), Erin Schrobilgen (167th, 25:14) and Margaret Huck (168th, 25:17).

Men’s results

Women’s results

Big first half propels Ripon over Lawrence

RIPON, Wis. — A big first half, capped by an interception return for a touchdown, led the Ripon College football team to a 34-6 Midwest Conference win over Lawrence University on Saturday at Ingalls Field.

Ripon (2-8, 2-6 MWC) retained possession of the Doehling-Heselton Trophy in the state’s oldest college football rivalry. This was the 116th meeting between the teams in a rivalry that began in 1893.

Ripon quarterback Cameron Gruenwald ran 26 times for 121 yards, and Cody Chase had 16 carries for 113 yards to pace Ripon. Gruenwald was just 1-for-5 passing with an interception.

Lawrence quarterback Philip Santiago was 13-for-27 passing for 95 yards and two interceptions. Lawrence (3-7, 2-6) was limited to just 198 total yards.

Ripon put together scoring drives of 65 and 47 yards and led 14-0 early in the second quarter. Lawrence took the ensuing kickoff and Jake Ryan, who finished with a game-high 13 tackles, returned it to the Ripon 48-yard line.

Lawrence converted a fourth-and-five play with a 21-yard pass to Cam Boerm to the Ripon 10. The Vikings faced fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line, and Santiago plowed into the end zone to cut the lead to 14-6.

Ripon drove back down the field and Chase scored from four yards out to push the lead back to 20-6. Lawrence got great field position late in the first half after a short punt gave the Vikings the ball at the Lawrence 47.

Lawrence moved the ball to the Ripon 31, but Santiago’s fourth-down pass was intercepted by Lane Barnes and returned 69 yards for a touchdown and a 27-6 lead. Lawrence drove back down the field but missed a 36-yard field goal on the half’s final play.

The Vikings had another good chance to get back into the game following Cole Erickson’s 79-yard punt that was downed at the Ripon three-yard line. Erickson’s punt broke the school record of 75 yards set by Phil Haas vs. Cornell way back in 1949.

The Vikings forced a three-and-out and another short punt gave Lawrence the ball at the Ripon 28. Santiago went for the end zone on the next play, and his pass was picked off by Armando Mosqued to end the threat.

Lawrence’s Cullen Ellis picked off Gruenwald later in the half for his first career interception, and Hunter Adams finished with 11 stops for the Vikings.

Box score

Deremo, Pasquesi earn All-MWC soccer honors

Mike Deremo
Mike Deremo
Dominic Pasquesi
Dominic Pasquesi

APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University men’s soccer players Mike Deremo and Dominic Pasquesi have both been chosen for the All-Midwest Conference team in a vote of league coaches.

Deremo (Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township) and Pasquesi (Highland Park, Ill./Highland Park) were both chosen for the second team.

Deremo, a senior forward, was selected to the all-conference team for the third time in his career. He was a second-team pick in both 2013 and 2015.

Deremo finished the season with six goals and six assists for 18 points this season. He scored goals against Lake Forest and Ripon during league play and scored two goals in matches against both Edgewood and Lakeland.

Pasquesi was selected for the all-conference team for the first time. A smart and steady performer, Pasquesi’s value to the team was evident despite the fact he did not pick up a point this season. Pasquesi was a fine two-way player, helping the Vikings defensively while also distributing the ball to build the attack.

Lawrence finished the season with a 6-10-1 overall record and took eighth in the Midwest Conference with a 2-6-1 record.

Football preview: Lawrence at Ripon

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University football team renews the oldest college football rivalry in the state when it travels to Ripon College on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Both teams are coming off tight losses where a rally fell just short. Lawrence fell 33-27 at Knox, and Ripon dropped a 31-28 decision at Cornell.

Preview

The Week Ahead: November 7-13

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University football team wraps up its season on Saturday when the oldest rivalry in Wisconsin is renewed at Ripon College. Lawrence and Ripon have been playing football since 1893, and Saturday’s game marks the 116th meeting between the teams.

LU Sports-VikingFootball-PMS294FOOTBALL (3-6, 2-5 MWC)

Opponent: Lawrence at Ripon (1-8, 1-6 MWC)

When and Where: Saturday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m., Ingalls Field, Ripon, Wis.

Webcast: Lawrence at Ripon

Series: In a series that dates back to 1893, Ripon holds a 62-46-7 advantage. Ripon hasn’t lost in the series since the Vikings defeated the Red Hawks 25-22 in the Banta Bowl in 1999. Ripon has won 16 straight in the series, which is the longest win streak by either team.

Fast Fact: The teams play for possession of the Doehling-Heselton Memorial Trophy, which dates back to the 1988 season. The Red Hawks have a 23-5 edge in the series since the inception of the trophy. The trophy is named for long-time Ripon coach Carl Doehling and his Lawrence rival, Bernie Heselton. Heselton got the best of Doehling as Lawrence compiled a 10-6-1 record against the Redmen (as Ripon was then known) from 1938-55.

LU Sports-VikingCrossCountry-PMS294CROSS COUNTRY

Event: NCAA Division III Midwest Regional

When and Where: Saturday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m., Lake Breeze Golf Club, Winneconne, Wis.

Live Results: pttiming.com

Fast Fact: Lawrence competes in one of the toughest regionals in the nation, but the Vikings have a pair of runners looking for a spot in the NCAA Division III Championships. The top seven runners that don’t qualify for the national championships as part of one of the qualifying teams also receive a trip to nationals. Sophomore Josh Janusiak, the Midwest Conference champion, and rookie Joe Kortenhof will lead the charge for the Vikings.