NORTON, Mass. -- The Augustana Vikings women's water polo team conquered the third-place game by a score of 21-5 over the Grove City Wolverines on Sunday.

The Vikings got on the board early with a quick goal from Jersey Merrick before Anais Jones found the back of the cage less than a minute later. The Wolverines tallied one of their own, and Augie responded with three consecutive shots. Abigail Gatlin and Emma Blezien scored within a minute of each other before Blezien put one in the back of the net with 11 seconds remaining in the quarter to lead 5-1 after eight minutes of action.

In the second, the Vikings outscored Grove City 4-1 to maintain the advantage. The Wolverines fired first, and Augie followed with four, all coming from different athletes. Jones started the rally with Blezien a minute behind, before Hailey Sherman and Olivia Parry closed the first half with successful shots in the final minute. Augustana led 9-2 entering the halftime break.

Returning to action, the Vikings' offense stayed ahead with a 5-1 margin in the third quarter. Augie's first four goals came within a minute of each other, starting with Alayna Ickert. Other scores were Hill, Cindy King, and Jones to sit at 13-2 with 4:40 on the clock. Grove City secured a point with over a minute remaining, but Gatlin closed the third with a shot past the goalie with nine seconds left. 

In the fourth, Augie put up five goals before the Wolverines saw a chance. Goals came from King, Carli Udovich, Jones, Blezien, and Hill. Grove City followed with two, but Merrick sailed two to the back of the cage in the final minute to take the game 21-5. 

10 Vikings scored in the win, with Jones and Blezien leading with four, while five individuals collected two assists apiece. In the cage, Susan Palmentera-Reid stole seven possessions and saved 12 attempts in their 32 minutes. 

With the win, Augie improves to 19-4 on the season and 10-1 in conference play.