ELMHURST, Ill.—Elmhurst women's basketball opened CCIW play in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, storming back in the second half to defeat Millikin 64–60 inside R.A. Faganel Hall. Trailing by as many as 13 in the third quarter, the Bluejays delivered a dominant late push—outscoring the Big Blue 42–27 in the final 20 minutes—to secure their first conference victory of the season. 

Elmhurst started the night with strong perimeter play from Natalie Harty, who set the tone early and ultimately finished with a team-high 20 points behind five made three-pointers. Her timely shooting kept the Bluejays within striking distance during a first half in which Millikin controlled the paint and held a 33–22 lead at the break.

The game turned in the third quarter as Elmhurst's defensive pressure intensified. The Bluejays forced five Millikin turnovers in the period and capitalized with transition baskets, highlighted by a fast-break layup from Natalie Robinson and a key scoring burst from Maia Lewers, who added eight points on the night.

A major spark came from Ella Conyers, who knocked down a crucial third-quarter three to pull Elmhurst within two, helping flip momentum heading into the fourth. From there, the Bluejays battled it out with the Big Blue.

Elmhurst opened the final frame on a 10–2 run fueled by back-to-back threes from Harty and a strong finish at the rim from Anna Kleszynski, who recorded 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds. Kristin Bukata then guided the Bluejays home, delivering a poised closing stretch that rounded out with 14 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and multiple defensive stops. 

With the game tied 60–60 in the final minute, Elmhurst executed a perfect out-of-timeout set, leading to a Bukata drive and finish to put the Bluejays ahead for good. Bukata then added a pair of free throws, combined with Harty's 3 pointer to seal the 64–60 victory as Elmhurst closed the night on a 9–2 run.

Defensively, the Bluejays were outstanding in the second half—holding Millikin to 18 percent from three and forcing 18 total turnovers. Elmhurst also won the fast-break battle 9–0 and outscored Millikin 23–16 in the fourth quarter.

Along with the standout performances from Harty, Bukata, Lewers, Robinson, and Kleszynski, forward Diellza Dalipi provided important minutes off the bench, contributing four points, three rebounds, and strong interior defense.

With the comeback win, Elmhurst improves to 4–2 overall and 1–0 in CCIW play, carrying momentum into its next conference match up.

Catch them back in action this Saturday, against Wheaton for their second Conference match up, at 2PM on the road!