Rock Island, Ill. - Elmhurst fell to Augustana (IL) on Wednesday, (Dec.4th) with a final score of 80-72 in their first CCIW match-up of the season.

The Bluejays hold an overall record of 6-1, with being 0-1 in the CCIW. The Vikings are 3-4 overall with a 1-0 record in the CCIW.

The Bluejays features several standout players based on their recent performances. Rowan Cusack led in free throw conversions, going 6-for-6, and recorded five steals, contributing significantly to the team's defensive efforts. Kristin Bukata was a key offensive player, scoring 26 points with 10 baskets made on 18 attempts and adding three steals. Sierra Gibson contributed with five baskets and two steals, while MC Brown demonstrated strong defense with nine rebounds and two steals. Lastly, Cierra Steemer added 10 points and three steals.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first quarter between the Bluejays and Augie saw a competitive start with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Augie opened the scoring with Tia Lewis making a jumper at 9:15, and Paige Melton extending their lead with a layup shortly after. The Bluejays responded with Dalipi's two successful free throws at 6:45, leveling the score at 4-4. Augie's Emma Berg was instrumental, scoring consecutive 3-pointers in the latter part of the quarter, contributing significantly to her team's 22-16 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Bluejays' Cusack was active from the free-throw line and contributed to closing the gap, but Augie maintained their lead through efficient shooting and capitalizing on the Bluejays' turnovers.

The second quarter began with Kadence Tatum of Augie contributing a free throw to bring the score to 23-16. Augie's Paige Melton hit a 3-pointer at 8:21, pushing the lead to 26-16. The Bluejays' Cusack scored a fast-break layup at 6:36, narrowing the gap to 28-18. The quarter saw a series of turnovers and fouls, with both teams struggling to maintain possession. Sierra Gibson of the Bluejays managed a layup at 2:28, cutting the deficit to 30-22, but Augie quickly responded, with Audrey Erickson scoring a layup to extend their lead. Augie maintained control, finishing the quarter with a 22-16 advantage, bringing the halftime score to 44-32.

The third quarter of the game saw the Bluejays make a strong push, outscoring Augie 27-15. Augie started the quarter with a layup by Paige Melton, but the Bluejays' Cusack quickly responded with a layup of her own. Kadence Tatum hit a 3-pointer for Augie at 7:20, extending their lead, but the Bluejays' Bukata answered with a fast-break layup and free throw, cutting into the deficit. The Bluejays' defensive pressure increased, leading to multiple turnovers by Augie, including two by Lexi Hayes. The Bluejays capitalized on these opportunities, with Steemer and Gibson contributing key points, while Bukata's consistent scoring helped tie the game at 57-57. Paige Melton's free throws briefly gave Augie a lead, but the Bluejays' Gibson tied it again at 59-59, marking a competitive close to the quarter.

The Bluejays started the fourth quarter with a layup by Cusack, bringing the score to 61-59. Augie responded with Tia Lewis making two free throws, tying then taking a 62-61 lead. Both teams exchanged leads and turnovers, with Paige Melton of Augie contributing key free throws to extend their lead to 72-67. Despite a late 3-pointer from Bukata for the Bluejays, Augie maintained control and secured an 80-72 victory, thanks in part to Kadence Tatum's free throws in the closing moments.

UP NEXT 

The Bluejays will face against conference foe Wheaton College on Dec. 7th at 2:00 p.m. in t R.A. Faganel Hall. 

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