WHEATON, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings women's volleyball fell to the Wheaton Thunder on Tuesday in three sets.

In the first set, Wheaton took the early lead after obtaining the first four points. The Vikings rallied until the Thunder grabbed three consecutive points to create a five-point gap. Augie converted a 6-1 run to inch within one at 14-13 after an attack error by Wheaton. A kill by Grace Gustafson drew the score even at 15. The Thunder pulled away by three, but Augie followed with three of their own, with a solo block by Alita Folkening tying the game at 18-18. Both teams tied once more after a block by Gustafson and Folkening until the home team pulled away to take the set 25-21.

The Vikings secured the early advantage in the second set, but Wheaton followed with five to snatch the upper hand. A successful attack by Gustafson drew the score even at six apiece, and a kill by Lanah Queckboerner and a service ace by Lucy Pufundt put Augie ahead 8-6. Wheaton pulled ahead after a 10-2 margin and held the lead to take the set 25-15. 

In the third, both teams rallied with Augie taking the upper hand after a kill by Alexis Richards and a service ace by Pufundt to make a 7-4 score. The teams drew even seven times until the Thunder pulled away after a 4-1 run. Augie hung around, but the home team took the set 25-21.

Mallory Coley led the team with seven kills, while Leah Rizzo notched 14 assists, and Katelyn Turley had 14 digs. 

With the loss, Augie moves to 6-7 on the season and 0-2 in conference play. The team will be back in action on Friday to host Luther.