KENOSHA, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team clinched a win over the Carthage Firebirds on Saturday.

In the opening minutes of the contest, Augie jumped out in front thanks to six points from Corey Whitlock early on. The Firebirds tied the game with a three-point shot after three-and-a-half minutes of play and both teams went back-and-forth the rest of the period, each earning five made field goals. Carthage secured the first quarter with three consecutive shots in the last minute and took a 16-13 lead into the second. The Vikings outscored the Firebirds by two in the second quarter, generating a 13-11 margin. Both teams traded the lead in the quarter, but Carthage grabbed a one-point advantage and headed into halftime with a score of 27-26.

Returning from the locker room, Augie pulled away from the close battle with a 20-9 third quarter. The Vikings took the advantage with a 7-8 showing at the charity line, with Whitlock's attempts after two minutes of play securing the lead for good for the Vikings. On the defensive side, Augie held the Firebirds to just 16 points over the course of the final two quarters and dominated the glass, out-rebounding Carthage 46-29. Augustana followed up its big quarter with a high-scoring effort in the fourth, boasting 26 points to run away with the 72-51 final. 

Three Vikings eclipsed double-digits in the contest, led by Whitlock and Cali Papez with 15 points apiece. Papez posted a double-double with 10 rebounds, while Whitlock also added seven. Macy Beinborn also had double-digit points with 13 points to go with nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. 

With the victory, Augustana improves to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Vikings will stay on the road and travel to Dubuque, Iowa, on Wednesday, December 6 for a mid-week non-conference contest, where they will face off against the Dubuque Spartans. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.