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Slow start dooms Finlandia women in loss to Ripon

RIPON, Wis. — A rough first quarter told the story as the Finlandia University women’s basketball team (4-14) lost 69-45 to Ripon (10-5), Wednesday night at Weiske Gymnasium.

“We could not have had a worse first quarter,” coach John Motherwell said.  “We didn’t shoot well at all. We had some things to negate the inside game and had some success doing so, until it came time to rebound.  I don’t know if it was them or what, but we weren’t able to get into the same flow we have lately on offense at all. But they are the first-place team in their conference for a reason. We very pointedly said that Saturday is a must-win game, and I have confidence in how we will respond.”

Ripon took the early 2-0 lead at the 9:51 mark. Senior Julia Daavettila dropped in a 3 to give Finlandia a 3-2 lead with 9:31 to play.

The Lions and Red Hawks played on even terms for the next 3:30. A pair of free throws by Daavettila made it 6-5 at the 5:59 mark. Ripon then scored 17 uncontested points to seal the game.

For Finlandia, Daavettila scored 20 points with two steals and senior Kelsie Richards had 11 points.

For Ripon, Eleanore Mueller had 13 points and 12 rebounds and Maggie Oimoen scored 10.

Finlandia remains on the road, Saturday, Jan. 20, playing Silver Lake. The game is scheduled to start at 3 p.m.

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