O'FALLON, Ill. -- The Augustana Vikings women's water polo team fell short to the McKendree Bearcats, 12-11.

In the opening period, McKendree outscored Augie 4-1 to gain the early lead. The lone shot from the Vikings came from Waiahuli Akau during a power play. Augustana followed with a 4-2 margin, with Simone Cairns putting up the first goal in the second period. The teams traded points before Akau and Emma Blezien moved the game 6-5 entering the halftime break. 

Returning to action, the Bearcats found the back of the net first before the Vikings followed with two of their own from Cindy King and Braelyn Hill to draw the score even at 7-7. McKendree secured three consecutive goals to regain the lead. Anita Rodgers put a goal on the score sheet with 27 seconds on the clock, but Augie trailed by two with a score of 10-8. In the final minutes, the Vikings outscored the Bearcats 3-2. McKendree grabbed the first shot before Anais Jones secured back-to-back successful shots to move the gap to one. The teams rallied shots once more, with Carli Udovich collecting the last one of the game, but the Bearscats sealed the 12-11 victory.

Akau and Jones led the team with two goals apiece, while Susan Palmentera-Reid stole three possessions along with 12 saves in her 32 minutes in goal. 

The Vikings finish opening weekend with a 2-1 record and will be back in action for the Macalester Invite on Feb. 14-15.