ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Augustana Vikings women's basketball team honored their seniors before a fierce battle with Carthage on Saturday. Augustana honored four players, Jaida Collins, Kadence Tatum, Carly Stone and Cali Papez.

Despite the late comeback attempt, the Vikings fell 76-70.

Carthage opened the game with an early run, but the Vikings began to settle in as the first quarter progressed. Jazmeriah Jones got Augustana on the board with a basket inside, and Tia Lewis added a late layup to help cut into the deficit.

Augustana found its rhythm in the second quarter, shooting over 70 percent from the field in the period. Carly Stone connected from three, while Paige Melton continued to find openings inside. Audrey Erickson added points at the line, and Kadence Tatum converted late in the quarter to bring the Vikings within 38–34 at halftime.

The Vikings carried that momentum into the third quarter. Melton scored twice early in the period, and Jones knocked down a three to pull Augustana closer. Erickson followed with a three-pointer of her own, and moments later, Ciara Hull finished inside to tie the game at 48–48. Tatum gave the Vikings another lift with a fastbreak basket, and Lewis added a jumper that put Augustana in front as the teams continued to trade the lead.

Carthage responded early in the fourth quarter, using a short run to regain the advantage. Augustana continued to push, with Lewis knocking down a three in the final minute and Erickson adding points at the free throw line to keep the Vikings within reach. Stone added a late three as well, but the Firebirds were able to hold on in the closing seconds.

Melton led the Vikings with 16 points and five rebounds. Erickson added nine points and seven rebounds, while Lewis finished with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds. Stone also scored nine points, all from beyond the arc, and Tatum added nine points while contributing defensively with steals and assists.

With the loss, the Vikings fall to 10-13, 5-9 in the CCIW. The ladies are back in action at the Roy J Carver Center on Wednesday, February 18 for their final home game of the season as they host Elmhurst. That game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. opening tip.