Knowles resets scoring record in MWC semifinal loss to No. 18 Ripon

2/27/2026 10:18:00 PM | By: Jack Carlson

RIPON, Wis. – Sophomore Erin Knowles broke Cornell's single-season scoring record in a 65-58 Midwest Conference women's basketball semifinal loss to 18th-ranked Ripon Friday night at Weiske Gymnasium.

The young Rams concluded a strong 2025-26 campaign at 15-10 overall, qualifying for the MWC tournament for the second consecutive season as the No. 4 seed. Coach Brent Brase's Rams made their 11th conference tournament appearance in 14 seasons.

Erin Knowles tallied 18 points against the Red Hawks (24-2 overall), wrapping up her First-Team All-MWC campaign with 490 points. She surpassed her own record from last season of 479 points.

The Rams fought valiantly against Ripon, which earned its 19th consecutive victory and improved to 10-0 at home. The Red Hawks host No. 2 seed Lawrence (21-5) Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. for the MWC title.

Cornell found itself down 57-46 with 3:55 to go in the game. The Rams then put together a 12-5 surge over the next three minutes to pull within 62-58, capped by a Heidi Jorgensen four-point play.

Ripon went 1-of-2 from the free throw line to take a five-point edge. The Red Hawks sealed the victory with Laney Havlovitz's key steal and fast-break layup with 37 seconds to go.

Jorgensen led all scorers with 19 points on 4-of-9 3-point shooting in her final career game. Caroline Kron added 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Kiley Edris and Darby Haley added three assists apiece.

Ripon forced 23 Cornell turnovers, which the Red Hawks converted into 28 points.

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