The Lawrence volleyball team continued their winning ways with a shutout win over Ripon College 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-14) on Oct. 12. The win improves the Vikings’ overall record to 12-12 with a 5-1 record in Midwest Conference play.
The Vikings built up an 11-4 lead in the first set and led by six or more points the rest of the way. Lawrence’s biggest lead was 15 points. After scoring the first six points in the second set, Lawrence built their lead to 12 points and took the victory. In the third set, it was tied 5-5 with Lawrence and Ripon exchanging leads. The Vikings slowly but surely increased their margin and finished off the match handily.
Statistical leaders for the Vikings were senior Clare Bohrer with 11 kills, and junior Shannon McLain with nine kills. Sophomore Kathleen Rowland tallied 19 digs, which gave her 1,000 for her career. She is the eighth player in Lawrence history to accomplish that feat. Senior Sam Nimmer contributed 12 digs and sophomore Diane McLeod accounted for 34 assists. Rowland and junior Emma Kane also each had a pair of aces.
The victory keeps the Vikings toward the top of the conference standings. Lawrence has another tough test coming up in their match against St. Norbert College who is 5-0 in Midwest Conference play. In addition to an important conference match, the rivalry adds additional intensity and drama.
St. Norbert College, just over half an hour away in De Pere, have always had exciting games with Lawrence in all sports. Sophomore Brielle Bartes commented, “As a program, not once have we ever beaten St. Norbert. Since day one of practice, it has not only been our goal to get a win over them, but to also make a name for ourselves in the Midwest Conference.”
Bartes added, “The outcome of this rivalry matchup will prove who has what it takes to be number one in the conference.”