Box Score O'FALLON, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings women's water polo team was defeated in their season opener on Saturday, falling on the road to the McKendree Bearcats by a score of 19-6.

The home got out to a fast start after eight minutes of action, posting six first-quarter goals for a 6-1 advantage. Charlotte Newport notched the first score of the game for the Vikings in the opening frame. In the second, the Bearcats continued to build upon their lead, mirroring their first-period effort with six more goals while holding Augie scoreless. McKendree led 12-1 at the halftime break.

The Vikings and Bearcats played to an even 3-3 pace in the third quarter, with Augie getting two goals from Ocean Akau and Victoria Guest to keep the differential the same. McKendree doubled up Augustana 4-2 in the final period to increase their lead and eventually close the game out with a 19-6 score. Jillian Hagmann tallied both goals for the Vikings in the fourth.

Augie will be back in action February 18-19 at the Macalester Invite in St. Paul, Minn.