WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team dropped the first game of the Titan Holiday Classic on Friday to the No. 5 UW-Oshkosh Titans by a score of 77-52.

Oshkosh took the early advantage before Cali Papez got the Vikings on the board after three minutes of play. The Titans followed with five consecutive points to maintain the advantage. Oshkosh closed the quarter with a pair of free throws to create an 11-6 score after 10 minutes of action. In the first quarter, Papez was the lone scorer for Augie, scoring six points. 

Audrey Erickson kicked off the second quarter with a layup to decrease the gap to three. Two minutes later, Tia Lewis drew the Vikings even after knocking down a three on a pass from Paige Melton. Oshkosh followed with six points before Melton squashed the gap to three after another three-point shot. With nearly three-and-a-half minutes remaining, the Titans went on a 9-2 run. Lexi Hayes closed the quarter with a layup to get within 10, but Oshkosh led 33-23 in halftime. 

Returning to the court, the Titans outscored Augie 27-14, with six of Oshkosh's points coming from the charity line. The Titans extended their lead to 23 entering the final quarter. Augustana came up short in the fourth with a 17-16 margin in the final quarter battle, but Oshkosh claimed the 77-52 victory.

Erickson led the team with 14 points and a steal. Melton followed with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists. Papez had eight points and six rebounds, while Tatum led with seven rebounds. 

With the loss, Augie moves to 4-7 on the season and will be back in action tomorrow for their second game at the Titan Holiday Classic with a game against Concordia-Chicago at 12 p.m.