NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Augustana women's basketball (7-8, 1-5) suffered their second-consecutive loss in conference play this evening in a 75-59 defeat at North Central (5-9, 2-3).
 
The Cardinals opened an early double-digit lead in the first period and led 21-14 after the end of the opening quarter. Despite the deficit, Augustana fought back in the second quarter and outscored North Central 17-16 to trail 35-31 at the half.
 
The Vikings could not maintain their late first-half charge into the second half as North Central pulled away. The Cardinals outscored Augie 22-12 in the third stanza on their way to the 16-point victory.
 
Augustana boasted three players in double figures led by Emily Brenneisen's career-high 14 points. Both Gabriela Loiz and Macy Beinborn added 13 points for the Vikings. Hannah Simmer led the way for Augie on the glass with six rebounds.
 
North Central was led by Allison Pearson with 17 points. Mitrese Smith chipped in with 13 and Jessica Kowalczyk with 11. Elle Sutter cleaned up on the glass for the Cardinals with eight rebounds.
 
The Augie women will finish their road stretch with a trip to Wheaton on Wednesday, Jan. 19.