MANKATO, Minn. ---  The Minnesota State women's basketball team was edged by Augustana, 91-68, Friday evening at Taylor Center in front of 623 fans. 

The Mavericks opened the game with a Britney Scherber layup after Karina Schroeder was able to generate a steal on the games opening possession. The Vikings responded by creating a 15-9 advantage by the 4:12 mark of the opening quarter. Augustana continued to apply pressure and grow their lead into double digits, 21-9. Minnesota State trailed after the first quarter, 27-11. 

The Mavericks started the scoring in the second quarter after Claire Jordan was able to find Mackenzie Dahl behind the three point for arc to make the score 27-14. Minnesota State would then struggle to find the bottom of the net as the Vikings increased their lead to 38-23 with 4:09 remaining in the half. Augustana led at the intermission, 49-26.

Minnesota State brought energy in the third quarter in which it outscored Augustana, 26-18. The Mavericks stormed back to chip the deficit down to ten, 54-44, with 3:52 on the clock following Jordan connecting with Taylor Drost for a triple. The Vikings responded to rapidly build their lead back up to 15, 64-49. Minnesota State trailed after three quarters of play, 67-52. 

Augustana controlled the tempo in final quarter expanding their edge to 77-56 before a timeout. The Vikings continued to find offense opening up their largest lead of the game, 89-63, with 1:54 remaining. Augustana went on to close out the remaining minutes and win the game, 91-68.

The Vikings held the edge in rebounds, 50-36. Minnesota State shot 77.8% from the free throw line and the bench contributed 27 points. 

Rachel Shumski posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Monica Muth and Drost each netted 10 points to round out the top performers. 

With the loss , Minnesota State moves to 7-5 (3-5 NSIC) on the season. The Mavericks return to Taylor Center tomorrow against Wayne State. Tip-off is set for 4:00 p.m.