NAPERVILLE, Ill. – Elmhurst went nose to nose in the CCIW matchup at North Central falling 68–67 at Gregory Arena.

The Bluejays pushed through a game that featured three lead changes along with two ties. Elmhurst opened with a four-point advantage but trailed 17–8 after one. North Central extended their lead 40–24 at halftime before the Bluejays responded with momentum in the third quarter.

Elmhurst shot 68.8 percent (11-of-16) from the field in the third period, outscoring the Cardinals 27–21 to cut into the deficit. The Bluejays posted 16 points in the fourth quarter, including a 10-point run late. The Bluejays fell one point short with a final score of 68-67.

Anna Kleszynski had a double-double with 22 points and was dominant on the glass with 15 rebounds, including four offensive boards. She also added 2 assists, four steals and a block in her 33 minutes of action. Kristin Bukata contributed 15 points, four assists, and four rebounds, while Natalie Robinson added 10 points and nine rebounds, including a team high of 5 offensive rebounds.

Maia Lewers finished with 10 points and three assists, and Natalie Harty added eight points, highlighted by two three-pointers. Off the bench, Diellza Dalipi scored two points and grabbed two rebounds.

As a team, Elmhurst shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) from the floor and went 12-of-18 (66.7 percent) from the free-throw line. The Bluejays controlled the paint, outscoring North Central 42–26 inside, and also held advantages in points off turnovers going 23–10 with an advantage in fast break points (10–2).

The Bluejays will look to build on their momentum as they continue conference play, against Augustana on the road Wednesday Feb. 18th at 7:00 pm.