Basketball

MILWAUKEE – Mount Mary played solid basketball for about 25 minutes Friday night, but unfortunately the final 15 proved most difficult as the Blue Angels fell to visiting Lawrence University 78-44 at the Bloechl Center.

Four of the five MMU starters played at least 32 minutes, led by senior guard Emily Barker (Oconomowoc, Wis.) tallying just one minute of rest Friday night. Tired legs and overall poor second-half shooting from the floor hurt the Angels' chances, as Lawrence amassed a 46 percent to 27 percent advantage from the floor.

"I'm really proud of how the kids played today," head coach Marc Heidorf said. "We need to make advancements with every game and we're doing that. Now we just need to learn how to play tired, because the games aren't going to get any shorter!"

Freshman Taylor Baumgart (Burlington, Wis.) led Mount Mary with 18 points—her second double-digit total in her young career—and senior center Ashley Leverenz (Mauston, Wis.) would finish the game with a season-high 14 points, going 8-for-9 from the free throw line.

Baumgart, Leverenz and Barker all added eight rebounds individually with sophomore forward LaDonna Honey (Milwaukee, Wis.) adding five boards. Barker also tallied a team-high four assists.

Despite the Vikings jumping out to a quick lead, the Blue Angels kept within striking distance—and took their first lead of the game with a pair of Leverenz free throws.

Lawrence would quickly respond with a 15-4 run through the middle of the first half en route to owning a seven-point halftime lead 30-23.

Out of the break, MMU cut into Lawrence's lead quickly, pulling to within one point on a Baumgart and-one play at the 18:41 mark. Baumgart and Leverenz traded jumpers with the Vikings over the next two minutes, before Lawrence cranked up the defensive pressure and turned over MMU.

The Vikings finished the game on a whopping 44-11 run to seal their first win of the season.

The Blue Angels continue a feverish home slate next week, hosting Milwaukee School of Engineering Monday before welcoming North Central (Minn.) to town on Tuesday. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. starts at the Bloechl Center.