Despite falling behind the North Park University Vikings for most of the game, the Augustana Vikings rallied back and defeated North Park at home. The score was 88-85 and the Vikings improved their historic record to 6-0 overall and 1-0 in the conference.
Defense was the main component of the first period as the teams battled to make their shots. North Park led after the first period 19-16.
In the second period, the game started to heat up for the teams. Sophomore guard Corrie Reiley opened up from the three-point line, hitting two of her two three point shots. Her second three-pointer was in the final seconds of the half, keeping the Vikings within two points as the second period ended 43-41 North Park.
One area Augustana was hurting in the first half was from their turnovers. They nearly doubled North Park’s turnovers as Augustana had 16 to North Park’s 9.
In the third, the two Viking teams continued to battle it out. The Vikings fell behind 53-64 with about 2:52 left in the period, but a strong performance from senior Jennifer VanWatermeulen was able to keep Augustana within contention. She scored eight points in approximately two minutes to end the period 63-65 North Park.
VanWatermeulen said those points helped to do more than boost the score.
“I think it was a huge turning point for our team,” VanWatermeulen said. “Me hitting those threes got our whole team up and excited.”
The fourth period proved to be a big tug of war match between the teams as the lead continued to wave back and forth between the two teams, changing five times in the period with numerous times where the score was tied.
In the final minute of the game, the Vikings were able to get a five-point lead after sophomore guard Izzy Anderson was able to score off a shot and free throw from Anderson and two free throws from Reiley. Although North Park got within three points, the Vikings were able to close out the game and win.
Along with Anderson’s 22 points and VanWatermeulen’s 18, senior Kaycee Kallenberger had 19 points and 13 rebounds.
One thing Beinborn noticed about the game was the team’s sluggish start.
“It took us a little while to get going offensively,” Beinborn said.
Beinborn also talked about how the team finished the game, praising the team for staying strong to the end.
“When it came down to the end, I think my team stayed tough and are really talented. They just want to win,” Beinborn said.
The Vikings will play another CCIW opponent this Wednesday as the team travels to Elmhurst, Ill. to play against the Elmhurst College Bluejays. The game will begin at 7 p.m.