MADISON, WISC. - With the race to qualify for the Region 4 Tournament heating up, the Madison College women's basketball controlled the fourth quarter in a key 65-58 win over the College of DuPage on Thursday night inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium. Four players scored in double-figures to propel the WolfPack into a more comfortable position to make the postseason - and possibly host a game - with two regular season games remaining. During halftime, second year players Lauren Thole, Brianna Hendricks, and Olivia Marron, as well as manager Viola Larson, were celebrated on Sophomore Night as the outgoing Class of 2022. Additionally, the Madison College Athletics Department celebrated head coach Lois Heeren, who coached her final regular season home game before she retires following this season.

Early on, it appeared that College of DuPage (3-13, 1-6) was primed to follow up their 11-point home win over the WolfPack win another road victory, scoring 23 points in the first quarter. The Chaparrals led 8-2 early, and despite Madison College battling back to tie the score, still held a 23-16 edge before Taylor Ripp brought the 'Pack within five heading to the second quarter. That basket started a 10-0 run for Madison College, which took their first lead of the game with a Laurissa Pickel free throw and a Hendricks lay up to go up 26-23. The home team also built a seven point lead nearing the half, but settled for a 34-29 differential. The Chaps were motivated after the break and scored eight unanswered points to reclaim the lead, but it would not last long. The WolfPack pulled even with six minutes left in the quarter on another Hendricks triple, and went on to score a 13-4 surge and owned a two-point differential to start the fourth. A fast start with six consecutive points put the 'Pack in control and en route to building a game-high 11-point advantage with four minutes left. 

Freshman Laurissa Pickel led Madison College with 19 points, her second-highest single-game total this season. The former Weston HS athlete was 7 of 12 from the floor with one 3-pointer and a 4 for 7 effort at the free throw line. Pickel's tenth double-digit scoring outing was accompanied by seven rebounds, three assists, and a block.

Marron, a 5'10" forward and two-sport athlete at Madison College, dropped in 15 points with seven interior buckets and a free throw. She continues to lead the team in scoring for the season with a 12.7 per game average, and also added five rebounds, four assists, and a block. Freshman guard Taylor Ripp contributed 13 points and eight boards, while also leading the team with five assists. Hendricks rounds out the double-digit scorers with ten points, six rebounds, and a team-best five steals. First year guard Lauren Thole registered all eight of her points in the second half, reeled in a nine rebounds, and a career-high three blocks.

Madison College posted a 46-34 advantage in points in the paint and controlled the glass by a 46-36 margin. 

With the split of the regular season series, the WolfPack now boast a 28-14 lead in all-time meetings.

Up Next:

Madison College (6-16, 4-4) will continue to battle for postseason positioning on Saturday, February 12 with a road game at Harper College (8-12, 2-5). The WolfPack were awarded a 2-0 forfeit win over the Hawks on February 1 and have won 17 straight to build a 19-2 lead in the all-time series. Tip off in Palatine, Illinois, is at noon. 

Fans are allowed at Harper College, and the game can be live streamed here.

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