CHICAGO, Ill. - The Elmhurst University women's basketball team traveled to North Park University to close out the season series against against their conference foe. 

The Bluejays (14-8, 6-8 CCIW) were led by Kristin Bukata led the Bluejays as she scored 22 points while adding five assists, four blocks, and two steals. 

The Vikings (3-21, 0-15 CCIW) were led by Aliyah Hershberger led the 23 points with an assist and rebound, while Caroline Long would record a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds while adding five assists and a steal. 

The First quarter would be a slow start for both teams as they would go basket for basket with each other as the first would end at 17-16 in favor of the Vikings. In the Second quarter, the Vikings would continue to add onto their lead by getting it all the way up to 12 points. The Bluejays were able to knock the lead back down to three just before halftime, the Vikings would still lead, 32-29. 

In the Third quarter, The Bluejays would retake the lead from the Vikings giving them a one point advantage, following that the Viking would reclaim the lead all the way up to seven, the quarter would end with the Vikings leading 47-42. In the Fourth the Bluejays would explode as Natalie Harty would hit back-to-back threes to get the Vikings lead down to one with just under 7:30 minutes remaining. From there, both teams would go back and fourth reclaiming the lead from one another. In the final minutes the Vikings would take a two point lead, Lindsay Novak would drain a three to reclaim a one point lead with thirty eight seconds remaining, the Vikings would then add two free throws to reclaim the lead by one point, Bukata would then make the game winning layup with just twenty seconds remaining. The Vikings would get a chance but with it came a costly turnover and the Bluejays would hold on for the win, 67-66. 

UP NEXT

The Bluejays will host Carthage College on Wednesday, Feb. 19th as they challenge for the last CCIW playoff spot. Game time is set for 7:00pm ct. 

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