Joseph Vanden Acker

Author: Joseph Vanden Acker

Kilgus leads Vikings with second-place finish in mile

STEVENS POINT, Wis. — Kate Kilgus grabbed a second-place finish in the mile on Saturday to lead the Lawrence University track teams at the Pointer Invite at UW-Stevens Point.

Kilgus raced to second in a time of 5:30.73, and UW-Stevens Point’s Emily Scheibecker took first in 5:22.30.

The Lawrence women posted two more top-five finishes as the Vikings took seventh in the team standings with 17 points.

Hannah Kinzer grabbed fourth place in the 3,000 in 11:19.23, and Amy Hutchings raced to fifth in the 800 in 2:39.84.

On the men’s side, Will Nichols posted a pair of top-10 finishes. Nichols grabbed eighth place in the 400 meters with a time of 52.10 seconds. Nichols also took ninth in the triple jump with a leap of 40 feet, 5.5 inches.

The top finisher for the Lawrence men was Josh Janusiak, who took seventh in the mile in 4:32.48. Alex Egbert of UW-Stevens Point took first in 4:23.90.

Results

Hot-shooting Vikings blow out Beloit

APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University’s Ben Peterson led a shooting barrage Saturday as the Vikings rolled to a 101-67 Midwest Conference men’s basketball victory over Beloit College at Alexander Gymnasium.

Peterson poured in a game-high 25 points as he hit 8-of-10 shots from the floor, including 7-of-8 from 3-point range. Lawrence shot 66.1 percent from the floor, going 41-for-62, including 13-for-22 (59.1 percent) from beyond the arc.

Jeremy Stephani added 19 points for the Vikings (8-10, 8-6 MWC), and Evan McLaughlin turned in a stellar all-around game. McLaughlin scored 11 points, pulled down a game-high seven rebounds, handed out a career-high seven assists and picked up three steals.

Sam Noyce paced Beloit (5-14, 3-11) with 16 points off the bench, and Tristan Shoup added 12 points.

Lawrence game out of the chute firing and built a 15-point lead eight minutes into the game. The Vikings missed their first two 3-pointers but made four of the next five, two by Stephani and two by Peterson, to lead 21-6.

The Viking pushed the lead to 20 at 34-14 on a 3-pointer by Connor Weas, but Beloit did manage to trim the margin to 47-32 with 38 seconds left in the opening half. Peterson then buried another triple, got fouled and converted the four-point play. Lawrence’s Quinn Fisher followed with a driving layup at the buzzer to put Lawrence up 53-32 at the half.

Lawrence went 8-for-13 from beyond the arc in the opening half.

The Vikings quashed any hopes of a Beloit comeback early in the second half. The Bucs had trimmed the lead to 59-38, but Lawrence went on a 13-4 run. A Peterson 3-pointer and four consecutive points from Stephani capped the outburst and gave Lawrence a 72-42 lead with 12:42 left.

Beloit never got closer than 28 the rest of the way, and Lawrence would lead by as many as 36.

Box score

Third-quarter surge pushes Beloit past Lawrence

APPLETON, Wis. — The Beloit College women’s basketball team pulled away in the third quarter Saturday and went on to a 64-40 Midwest Conference victory over Lawrence University at Alexander Gymnasium.

The Bucs started to pull away late in the second quarter and then outscored Lawrence 13-5 in the third quarter to build a 43-21 advantage.

Melissa McLean scored 17 points off the bench and grabbed eight rebounds to pace Beloit (6-13, 4-10 MWC).

Natalie Kramer led Lawrence (2-17, 0-14) with 13 points, and Olivia Hoesley and Lauren Deveikis added seven points apiece. Hoesley and Shonell Benjamin paced the Vikings with seven rebounds apiece.

Lawrence trailed by eight late in the second quarter, but the Bucs scored the final six points of the first half to grab a 30-16 lead at the break. The Vikings then went just 2-for-11 from the floor and committed five turnovers in the third quarter.

McLean scored five points in the third quarter for Beloit, and Nora Polaski and Shelby Kline added four points apiece. Kline finished with 16 points and Polaski added 12.

Beloit led by as many as 28 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Vikings put together a 10-3 run, highlighted by 3-pointers from Kramer and Deveikis, to close to 56-36. That’s as close as Lawrence would get.

Box score

Vikings pick up tie at MSOE

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Austin Frank’s first goal of the season and a great effort by goaltender Evan Cline led Lawrence University to a 2-2 overtime tie with MSOE on Friday in a Northern Collegiate Hockey Association game at the Kern Center.

Cline made 39 saves, including 15 in the third period, to help the Vikings to the tie.

The Vikings (5-13-3, 4-9-3 NCHA) entered the third period trailing 2-1 when MSOE’s Zach Simpson was whistled for hooking at the 3:13 mark. Frank, a defenseman, scored on the ensuing power play off an assist from Josh Koepplinger to tie the game at 2-2 just 21 seconds later.

Lawrence took an early 1-0 lead on another power-play goal in the opening period. Sean Reynolds scored with assists from Daniel Gysi and Matt Beranek on Lawrence’s first power-play chance of the game to take a 1-0 edge at the 15:39 mark of the first.

Lawrence went 2-for-6 on the power play, and the Vikings held MSOE to 0-for-10.

Brendan Unser tied the game at 1-1 with his goal just 2:31 into the second, and the Raiders took a 2-1 lead on Nick Redmon’s short-handed goal at the 11:25 mark.

Austin Campbell stopped 15 shots for MSOE (9-7-5, 6-6-4).

Box score

Lawrence Athletics will raise funds for daughter of alumna

Molly Bouressa was a basketball and softball standout for the Vikings.

APPLETON, Wis. — The Lawrence University Department of Athletics are asking fans to be generous and help a little girl when they attend Saturday’s basketball games vs. Beloit College.

It’s Alumni Day on Saturday, and Lawrence alumna Molly Bouressa Van Zeeland, class of 2007, is on the mind of many of her former Lawrence teammates and classmates. A former basketball and softball star at Lawrence, Molly gave birth to Macy last summer.

Macy has battled a number of medical issues and has endured countless surgeries in her first year. To help the Van Zeeland family with expenses, fans will be asked to donate to the family during both basketball games on Saturday at Alexander Gymnasium.

The women’s game vs. the Bucs starts at 2 p.m. with the men’s game to follow at 4 p.m. Alumni games will be held in the morning with the women tipping off at 9 a.m. and the men following at 10:15.

There is no admission charge for any of the games.

Raiders shut out Lawrence

APPLETON, Wis. — MSOE goaltender Austin Campbell made 28 saves Thursday, and the Raiders posted a 3-0 Northern Collegiate Hockey Association victory over Lawrence University at the Appleton Family Ice Center.

After making just four saves in the opening period, Campbell stopped 12 shots in both the second and third to keep the Vikings off the board. It was the first time the Vikings had been shut out since November 2015.

Evan Cline stopped 21 shots and took the loss for Lawrence (5-13-2, 4-9-2 NCHA).

MSOE (9-7-4, 6-6-3) got all the offense it would need when Jerad Tafoya scored with just 23 seconds left in the opening period for a 1-0 edge.

The Raiders took a 2-0 lead six minutes into the second period when Gage Christianson cashed in on a power-play change. MSOE finished 1-for-5 on the man-advantage.

Lawrence had a chance to get back into the game late in the second period when the Raiders took a pair of penalties. The Vikings had a two-man advantage for just under a minute and a one-man advantage for another minute but couldn’t score.

Connor Esciso added an insurance goal for the Raiders just 3:31 into the third period.

The team wrap up the series Friday night at the Kern Center in Milwaukee.

Box score

Cornell edges Vikings

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The Cornell College men’s basketball team converted a few key plays down the stretch Tuesday to edge Lawrence University 73-64 in a Midwest Conference game at the Multi-Sport Center.

Grant Anderson led Cornell with a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds. Jon Anderson added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Rams (7-11, 5-8 MWC).

Jeremy Stephani paced Lawrence (7-10, 7-6) with 20 points, and Mitch Willer and Ben Peterson added 10 points apiece.

Cornell trailed the entire game before taking the lead for good at 62-59 on Grant Anderson’s 3-pointer with 2:28 left. Jon Anderson then got a critical steal and breakaway dunk to put the Rams up by five.

After a Lawrence miss, Corey Davis converted two free throws to put Cornell up 66-59. Stephani raced down the court for a layup before the Vikings fouled Grant Anderson. He made the first and missed the second, but Cornell grabbed the offensive rebound and Lawrence fouled again.

Craig Engle hit both free throws, but Peterson drained a 3-pointer for the Vikings with 31 seconds left to cut the lead to 69-64. Lawrence pressure created a steal by Evan McLaughlin, but Stephani missed the ensuing 3-pointer to seal the Vikings’ fate.

Cornell went 4-for-4 from the foul line in the final 21 seconds to secure the victory.

Free-throw shooting was the difference because of a huge discrepancy at the line. Cornell went 32-for-38 from the stripe while the Vikings were 2-for-3. Lawrence was whistled for 26 fouls, and just seven fouls were called against the Rams.

Box score

Rams pull away in third quarter, post win over Lawrence

MOUNT VERNON, Iowa — The Cornell College women’s basketball team went on a big scoring run in the final six minutes of the third quarter Tuesday and posted a 72-49 Midwest Conference victory over Lawrence University at the Multi-Sport Center.

The first-place Rams outscored the Vikings 24-2 to finish the third quarter to break open a close game.

Sierra Bisso led Cornell (14-4, 12-1 MWC) and all scorers with 15 points, and Anne Visser added 12.

Olivia Hoesley paced the Vikings (2-16, 0-13) with 12 points, and Lauren Deveikis and Nicole Cummins added 11 points apiece.

Shonell Benjamin grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds for Lawrence to go with nine points, four assists and three steals.

Cornell had stretched its lead to 34-15 late in the second quarter before jumpers by Hoesley and Benjamin trimmed the margin to 34-19 at the half.

The Vikings then opened the second half on an 8-2 run, highlighted by Hoesley’s 3-pointer and capped by a Natalie Kramer free throw, to cut the lead to 36-27 with 6:08 left in the third quarter.

Lawrence then missed seven of its next eights shots from the floor and committed seven turnovers to finish the quarter. Cornell took control as Bisso scored five points and Diamond Boyd added four as the Rams built a 60-29 edge after three quarters.

The Vikings closed the margin to 21 points in the fourth quarter but could pull no closer.

Box score

Hockey series preview: Lawrence vs. MSOE

APPLETON, Wis. — Lawrence University takes on MSOE in home-and-home Northern Collegiate Hockey Association series this week. It’s a rare Thursday-Friday series, with Thursday’s game at the Appleton Family Ice Center and Friday’s game at the Kern Center in Milwaukee, Wis.

Thursday’s game at the Appleton Family Ice Center also features a health fair that begins at 6 p.m. Those purchasing a ticket for Thursday’s game will have the opportunity to meet professionals from Affinity Health System/Ascension, Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, Tutor Doctor, Chiropractic Advantage and Fleet Feet Fox Valley.

Tickets are available at the door and are $5 for adults, $3 for students and children 12 and under are free. Lawrence students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a valid student ID.

Preview

The Week Ahead: January 30-February 5

APPLETON, Wis. — It’s getting to be crunch time for the winter sports team as Lawrence University men’s and women’s basketball and hockey are closing in on the end of the regular season. Both the men’s basketball squad and the hockey team are fighting for postseason berths in their respective conferences.

The first of the spring sports also gets its season going as men’s tennis opens with a match at MSOE on Sunday.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL (2-15, 0-12 MWC)

Opponent: Lawrence at Cornell (13-4, 11-1 MWC)

When and Where: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 5:30 p.m., Small Multi-Sport Center, Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Webcast: Lawrence at Cornell

The Series: Cornell has a slim 8-7 advantage over the Vikings in a series that was first played in the 1988-89 season. The Rams have a seven-game win streak in the rivalry.

Opponent: Lawrence vs. Beloit (4-13, 2-10 MWC)

When and Where: Saturday, Feb. 4, 1 p.m., Alexander Gymnasium.

Webcast: Lawrence vs. Beloit

The Series: In a series that started in the 1977-78 season, Beloit holds a 37-28 advantage. The Bucs have won the last 17 meetings.

Fast Fact: Junior guard Olivia Hoesley scored a career-high 20 points vs. Grinnell this past Saturday. She topped her previous high of 19, set in Lawrence’s victory over Marian early in the season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL (7-9, 7-5 MWC)

Opponent: Lawrence at Cornell (6-11, 4-8 MWC)

When and Where: Tuesday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., Small Multi-Sport Center, Mount Vernon, Iowa.

Webcast: Lawrence at Cornell

The Series: Cornell holds a 61-30 edge over the Vikings in a series that began in 1924. Lawrence is 4-3 against the Rams since Cornell rejoined the Midwest Conference in 2012.

Opponent: Lawrence vs. Beloit (5-12, 3-9 MWC)

When and Where: Saturday, Feb. 4, 3 p.m., Alexander Gymnasium.

Webcast: Lawrence vs. Beloit

The Series: In a series that goes all the way back to 1911, Beloit holds a 101-75 advantage. The Vikings have dominated the series over the past 15 seasons. Lawrence has won 24 of the last 28 meetings with the Bucs.

Fast Fact: Lawrence slipped to fifth place in the Midwest Conference standings with two losses last week. The Vikings are a game out of being tied for third place with Grinnell and Lake Forest. Grinnell holds the tiebreaker with the Vikings, and Lawrence has one game left with Lake Forest.

HOCKEY (5-12-2, 4-8-2 NCHA)

Opponent: Lawrence vs. MSOE (8-7-4, 5-6-3 NCHA)

When and Where: Thursday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m., at the Appleton Family Ice Center, and Friday, Feb. 2, 7 p.m. at the Kern Center, Milwaukee, Wis.

Webcast: Thursday: Lawrence vs. MSOE Friday: Lawrence at MSOE

The Series: In a series that started in the 1992-93 season, MSOE holds a 49-21-3 advantage. The Vikings are 2-0-1 in the last three meetings with MSOE.

Fast Fact: Lawrence rookie goaltender Evan Cline has a shot at a pair of school season records. Cline has a .934 save percentage and 2.35 goals against average with six games left in the regular season. The record for save percentage is .924 by Peter Emery in 2011-12, and the GAA mark of 2.11 was set by Evan Johnson in 2008-09.

FENCING

Event: Northwestern Duals (at Notre Dame)

When and Where: Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5, all day, Castellan Family Fencing Center, Notre Dame, Ind.

Webcast: None.

Fast Fact: The Lawrence women went 3-2 at the DiCicco Duals last weekend, and the men posted a 2-2 mark. Allison Kim and Natalie Hagopian both went 11-4 to pace the women, and Jakub Nowak posted an 8-4 mark to lead the men.

MEN’S TENNIS

Opponent: Lawrence at MSOE

When and Where: Sunday, Feb. 5, noon, Elite Sports Club River Glen, Milwaukee, Wis.

Webcast: None.

Fast Fact: The Vikings open the season with at least four new faces in the starting lineup as Brian DeCorte, Adam Busch, Ethan Perushek and Mitch Kasprzyk were all lost to graduation. Lawrence was picked to finish fifth in the Midwest Conference in the preseason coaches poll.