The Lawrence University Women’s Basketball team squeaked out another close victory this past weekend 62-60 at Carroll. The win guarantees that the Vikings will be returning to the MWC Tournament for the second consecutive season.The Vikings came out strong in the first half, and gradually built up their biggest lead, a nine-point lead with 10:27 to go in the first half, putting the score at 20-11.
The Pioneers came back as the half dwindled down, and by the time the horn sounded, it was tied up at 30.
Claire Getzoff had 13 points already at the half for the Vikings, and she would continue to cruise in the second.
Krista Rode had nine at the half to lead the Pioneers.
The second half would be a typical seesaw battle. The Pioneers took small leads, but the Vikings would always respond immediately and not let Carroll break the game open.
The Vikings would take over for good with 2:54 remaining, as Cassie Benzschawel scored on a lay-up to put the Vikings ahead, 55-54.
Carroll could not seem to overcome the one-point edge and had one last chance to tie or take the win at the end, but Corey Grosskopf’s jumper fell off and the Vikings won 62-60.
Getzoff led the Vikings with a monster 26-point performance. Benzschawel was the only other Viking in double figures, with 10 points of her own.
The win gives the Vikings a two-game edge over Illinois College for the last spot in the MWC Tournament.
The Vikings will play St. Norbert in the semi-finals. It will be a rematch of tomorrow’s game between the Vikings and the Green Knights. The two teams will face off in the regular season finale at 2:00 p.m. at St. Norbert.
Look for an MWC Tournament preview in next week’s Lawrentian.