ROCK ISLAND -- The Augustana Vikings women's volleyball team fell in a close battle to wrap up the Viking Classic on Saturday, falling to the DePauw Tigers in five sets.

It was all Augustana in set one as the Vikings rolled to a 17-point win. The team took control early, flipping a 4-3 deficit into a 12-4 advantage after a 9-0 scoring run. The Vikings moved their margin out to double figures moments later before scoring the set's final seven points to complete the 25-8 triumph. Alexis Richards led the charge during the final scoring spurt, notching a service ace and kill to help wrap up the win.

After DePauw bounced back with wins in the second and third set, the Vikings battled through a back-and-forth fourth frame to extend the match. After rallying from an early hole, Augie jumped out in front late with a score of 21-18. The Tigers remained within striking distance and eventually evened the score at 23 points apiece, but consecutive attack errors from the Tigers clinched the game for the Vikings and forced a fifth and final set. DePauw came out in the fifth and scored four of the first five points before a 4-0 run later moved its advantage out to seven at 9-2. Augustana was unable to catch back up as the Tigers held on for the 15-8 decision.

Emily Schipper posted a match-high 19 kills, while Kylie Collachia finished with 34 assists and Leah Rizzo with a team-best 17 digs. Schipper was named to the Viking Classic All-Tournament Team.

With the loss, the Vikings drop to 3-5 on the season. The team will be back in action Wednesday when they open CCIW play at No. 16 Millikin.