ELMHURST, Ill. – The Elmhurst University women's basketball team lost a close contest against North Park University 65-58.

The Bluejays trailed 18-14 at the end of the first quarter, but came out strong at the start of the second quarter with Ella Riley and Chloe Conley hitting back-to-back three-pointers to tie the score up at 20 apiece.

The Vikings finished out the half with a 15-7 run to head into the locker room up 35-27.

North Park (13-5) extended its lead to 13 with 1:47 left in the third quarter, however, Elmhurst (2-17) was able to chip away and get to within two of the Vikings with 7:03 left to play in the contest.

The Bluejays ran out of time and needed to foul to get the ball back resulting in four North Park free throws to close out the contest.

The Vikings finished the game with three players in double-figures. Leading the way was Jayla Johnson who posted the sole North Park double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Chantel Hairston chipped in 15 points and four boards, while teammate Esther Miller added 13 points and eight rebounds of her own. 

Elmhurst ended with three players in double-figures as well. Taylor Harazin led the Bluejays with 20 points and 17 rebounds, while Kate Matthews added in 12 points and 10 boards for two Elmhurst double-doubles. Ella Riley chipped in 12 points off of four three-pointers in the loss.

North Park outshot Elmhurst 41.5 percent (27-of-65) to 34.4 percent (22-of-64) from the field. The Bluejays outshot the Vikings from behind the arc 36.4 percent (8-of-22) to 14.3 (1-of-7).

Elmhurst hosts Augustana in its next matchup on Wednesday, February 2^nd at 7:00 p.m.