ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University women's basketball team lost a close contest against Carthage College falling 80-74 at R.A. Faganel Hall.

The Bluejays (2-13) went back-and-forth with the Firebirds in the opening three minutes, but stretched their lead to 10 by the end of the first quarter.

Elmhurst held its largest lead (16) with 4:07 left in the second quarter.  Carthage (9-7) responded with a 7-0 run to cut Elmhurst's lead to nine. The Bluejays went into the locker room with a 39-30 lead.

The Firebirds started the third quarter strong outscoring Elmhurst 17-8, tying the game up at 47 apiece with 5:37 left to play in the third. Carthage posted its highest scoring quarter of the game in the third with 27 compared to Elmhurst's 10 to take a 57-49 lead heading into the fourth.

The Firebirds extended their lead to 12 with 8:27 left in the contest, but the Bluejays outscored Carthage 20-8 in the following six and a half minutes and were able to tie the game up at 69 with 1:50 left on the clock.

Carthage closed the game out with eight made free throws and a three-pointer to Elmhurst's five free throws to seal the victory 80-74.

Elmhurst finished with two players in double-figures.  Kate Matthews led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Taylor Harazin chipped in 10 points.  Marissa Urso and Morgan Collar added in eight points apiece. 

Carthage posted three players in double-figures.  Lauren Knight finished with a game-high 27 points, while teammate Margueret Spear added in 16 in the win.  Destiny Antoine chipped in 11 as well.

Elmhurst outshot Carthage 51 percent (25-of-49) to 40.7 percent (24-of-59) from the field. 

The Bluejays head to Wheaton College for another CCIW matchup on Saturday, January 22.