ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Viking women's basketball team (7-6, 1-3) earned their first conference win of the season tonight in a balanced attack over the Elmhurst Bluejays (2-12, 0-6).
 
The visitors jumped out to an early 9-0 lead as the Bluejays were also seeking their first win in CCIW play. Augustana eventually answered by finishing the first quarter on an 18-2 run.
 
Elmhurst had another solid second period, outscoring the Vikings 23-17 in the quarter. Despite the Bluejays' run, Augustana led 37-34 at the break.
 
After halftime, Augustana benefitted from significant foul trouble in Elmhurst's frontcourt. The Vikings outscored the Bluejays in the final two periods by a 41-30 advantage and secured the 78-64 victory.
 
Five Augustana players scored in double-digits tonight. Gabriela Loiz poured in a team-high 21 points followed by Macy Beinborn with 14, Lauren Hall with 12, and both Emily Brenneisen and Emma Berg with 10. Erin Morrisey was dominant on the boards with a season-high 11 rebounds to lead Augie.
 
Elmhurst's Kate Matthews was the game's leading scorer with 22 points on the night. Morgan Collar and Katie Matrise also netted double figures with 11 points and 10 points, respectively. Matthews also ssnagged 11 rebounds to complete a double-double.
 
Augustana continues their week of action this Saturday, Jan. 15 when they begin a three-game road swing at Illinois Wesleyan.