ROCK ISLAND – The Augustana women's basketball team opens their postseason slate at the Carver Center on Tuesday, February 21 as they gear up to face the No. 6 seeded Carthage Firebirds. The Vikings earned the No. 3 seed following an 11-5 conference campaign, their most wins in CCIW play since the 1992-93 season.

Augie is just two days removed from their Senior Night triumph over North Park, where they dropped the visiting Vikings by a 72-58 final. Augustana entered the locker room with a nine-point advantage following three consecutive triples to close the opening half. North Park cut the deficit to four points by the conclusion of the third frame behind a 41 percent shooting period, their most efficient shooting clip of the contest. In the fourth quarter, Augie's defense was smothering, forcing North Park to shoot 2-12 from the field while holding the Vikings to nine points. Augustana scored 19 in the final frame to secure their regular-season finale by plus-14. The win gave the team their 17th victory on the season, the most for the program since 2016–17.

Carthage enters Tuesday as the tournament's sixth seed after a regular season record of 9-16, 5-11 in conference. Their most recent game action came on Saturday, February 18, in a 74-53 loss to Illinois Wesleyan in Bloomington, Ill. The Titans built a 21-4 lead over the Firebirds in the opening frame, setting the tone for the remainder of the contest. Carthage trailed by as much as 35 points midway through the final frame, dropping their seventh straight game before postseason action.

Augustana looks to secure their second win over the Firebirds this season after winning their February 4 matchup 74-48, avenging an earlier-season loss on December 17 in Kenosha. In their most recent meeting, Augie was led in scoring by Gabriela Loiz's 13-point effort, followed by Carly Stone with 12, Emily Brenniesen 11, and Cali Papez with 10. On the glass, Papez led the way with six boards. The Vikings moved the ball efficiently, with five players adding at least three assists. Augustana trails Carthage 43-32 in the all-time series. 

The CCIW Tournament kicks off at 7:00 p.m. from inside the Roy J. Carver center. The winner of Tuesday's contest will head to the semifinals in Decatur, Ill. Stream link for the postseason action can be found here.

ADMISSION INFORMATION:

As mandated by the conference office, ticket prices for the game are as follows:

Adults - $10

Seniors (60+), Students and Children (6-14) - $5

Children 5 and under - Free

Augustana students -- Free with valid ID card

*** No passes will be valid. ***