MADISON, WISC. - The Madison College women's basketball team ended a six-game losing streak and a seven-game home losing skid with a 63-59 victory over Joliet Junior College in a North Central Community College Conference and Region 4 showdown Thursday at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium. The WolfPack posted their third consecutive 60-plus point effort, which resulted in their first N4C win, thanks to a season-high 21 free throws and a career-high 19 points from freshman Taylor Ripp. The win also improves the Madison College lead in the all-time series to 22-14

The game opened with an administrative technical against Joliet Junior College (4-13, 1-4) for illegal jersey numbers, however, Madison College was unable to make the two free throws. It did set the stage for a free throw contest in the first quarter, as the teams combined to attempt 18 charity shots. The WolfPack went 7 for 12 and used a 13-4 run to grab a four-point lead after the first ten minutes. The team's exchanged baskets in the second quarter, with the Wolves narrowing the differential to a single point on a three-pointer with 1:47 remaining in the half before the 'Pack used a Laurissa Pickel free throw and three-pointer to take a 27-22 lead into the locker room. Joliet JC continued to fight back in the third quarter, eventually taking a three-point lead thanks to a 17-5 surge. Madison College stayed poised and broke a 45-45 tie in the fourth quarter with back-to-back baskets from Lauren Thole and Ripp as part of a 23-point period that saw the home team build an eight-point lead and procure their first home win.

Ripp, a freshman guard from Lodi, Wisconsin, toed the free throw line the most with a 9 for 10 performance that combined with a 5 for 10 shooting night and a career-high 19 points. It's her seventh game with double-digit points this season, and her fourth in the last five outings. Ripp also added six rebounds and two steals.

Pickel finished with 14 points and eight rebounds for the third consecutive game with ten or more points for the Reedsburg, Wisconsin, native. Brianna Hendricks, an Ixonia, Wisconsin, product, stepped up with ten points, seven rebounds, and six steals. Sophomore forward Olivia Marron generated nine points, while leading the 'Pack with 12 rebounds and three assists. 

The game featured seven ties and nine lead changes. Madison College finished 21 for 34 at the free throw line. 

The two teams will play again in the regular season finale on February 15 in Joliet, Illinois.

Up Next:

Madison College (3-14, 1-2) continues a three-game home stand Saturday, January 29 with a makeup game against in-state rival Milwaukee Area Technical College (9-9, 2-1). The N4C and Region 4 matchup was postponed on January 18, and takes the place of a canceled game against Gogebic Community College. The WolfPack is 74-14 all-time against the Stormers, who earned a split of the season series in 2019-20. Tip off is at 1:00 p.m. inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium.

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