ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team fell to the Elmhurst Bluejays on Wednesday by a score of 78-69.

The Vikings were quick to get on the board with a driving layup from Kadence Tatum at 9:34 to create an early advantage. Augie kept the lead throughout the first quarter, doubling up the Bluejays after a three-point shot by Macy Beinborn with 54 seconds left. Emma Berg converted a step-back three-point buzzer-beater to close out the quarter 27-12. As a team, Augie shot 55 percent with 11 field goals, while holding the Bluejays to five made shots. 

Augie grew its lead out to as many as 16 on three different occasions in the second quarter, but the Bluejays kept fighting back to keep the margin from getting any larger. The Vikings out-scored the Bluejays by a point to move their halftime lead to 44-28. Corey Whitlock, Beinborn, and Berg all led the Vikings with nine points after 20 minutes of action.

Elmhurst's defensive pressure halted the Augie momentum in the third and after a 31-11 quarter for the Bluejays, the road team led 59-55 heading into the fourth. In the final 10 minutes of play, Augie managed to close the gap to two points after a jump shot from Paige Melton at 9:47, but Elmhurst ran away with their lead with success behind the charity stripe to close out the game with a final score of 78-69. 

Four Vikings secured double-digit points, with Beinborn leading with 17 points, five rebounds, and two blocks. Cali Papez, Whitlock, and Berg obtained 12 points, with Papez earning a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Whitlock also added eight rebounds. 

With the loss, the Vikings move to 11-10 on the season and 6-6 in conference play. Augie will stay at home to host the Carthage Firebirds on Saturday, February 3.