Box Score CLAREMONT, Calif. – Augustana women's water polo (9-14, 6-2) wrapped up a remarkable inaugural season today at the USA Water Polo DIII National Championships. The Vikings batted Austin College in a 12-9 defeat to earn fourth place.
 
The Vikings controlled a competitive opening period, outscoring Austin 2-1. Olivia Hillhouse started the scoring less than a minute into the game to give Augie their first lead. Later in the quarter, Annie Opal Dickson found the back of the net to extend the Vikings' lead. Aubrey Paskey eventually got the Kangaroos on the board in the waning moments of the first period.
 
The 'Roos picked up where they left off to start the second period, outscoring the Vikings 5-2. Kalissa Niles and Brooke Le scored for Austin with another Augustana score by Lauren Dickinson coming in between them. Both teams traded goals again when Paskey delivered her second of the day and Ocean Akau struck for the Vikings. Austin managed two more goals in the quarter and took a 6-4 lead into halftime.
 
After the break, Augustana played their best period. Hillhouse and Alyssa Fricker scored to knot the tally while the Viking defense stymied Austin and did not give up a score.
 
Tied 6-6 going into the final period, the Kangaroos exploded for six goals in the final eight minutes. The Vikings did their best to keep pace with three goals of their own from Fricker and Akau but could not get any closer. Austin held on to win the contest 12-9.
 
The loss dropped the Vikings to 9-14 overall. Despite a winless trip, Augie earned a fourth-place finish at the national tournament in the program's first berth and debut season.