Rock Island, Ill. – The Carroll University women's basketball team started with the hot hand, were outlasted by the Augustana College Vikings, 84-74 at the Roy J. Carver Center on Saturday night. Sophomore Theresa Wichser made five three-point baskets in the first half, and finished with 18 points, tying her season high. Sophomore Sierra Grubor finished with a team high six rebounds to go along with seven points and three assists.
 
The Pios started off hot, scoring 24 points in the first quarter of the contest to the Viking's 22. The last three quarters didn't go the Pioneers way, with the Vikings outscoring the women 26-16 in the second. The women shot 40.3% from the field, and 48% from three. The strong bench was at it again, outscoring the Viking's bench 41-22. Kate Christian led the bench charge with a season high 12 points in 15 minutes of play. Megan Madsen and Brooke Foster added in nine and eight, respectively.
 
Wichser got started right away to start the contest, leading the Pioneers on a 9-4 run with three straight three-point jumpers before an Augustana time out. The rest of the quarter, the Pios went blow for blow with the Vikings, with help from a foster three and Kayla Stefka free throws, the women were up to finish the quarter. But four Carroll turnovers and foul trouble proved costly, when the Vikings shot 6-9 at the charity stripe in the second.
 
The third quarter was another back and forth battle, with  a Christian free throw cutting the lead to eight. Christian scored five in the quarter. The fourth quarter started with an Augie 10-4 run, before Elizabeth Behrndt and Christian could bring the run to an end. Foster hit a corner three to close the lead to nine before Augie closed the game with free throws. Wichser's sharp shooting stayed in the first half, going 1-3 from behind the arc and ending 6-12 3PM (50%).
 
The Pioneers will stay on the road, but will make the quick trip to Whitewater to face the Warhawks on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Stay up to date on Carroll women's basketball this season by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics).