MANKATO, Minn. --- The Minnesota State women's basketball team (11-12, 8-11 NSIC) lost to the Augustana Vikings (20-8, 12-7 NSIC) 77-69 Friday night in Mankato, Minn.

In the opening quarter the Mavericks offense continued their recent trend, finding open cutters and finding Kristi Fett in the post for six first quarter points en-route to a 29-19 lead at the end of the first.

In the second quarter both defenses tightened, and the pace of play slowed down, but Minnesota State adapted and attacked the basket.  The Mavericks got to the line where they made 7-8 attempts in the quarter to take a 41-31 lead into halftime. 

Monica Muth led Minnesota State with 10 points and added five boards and a pair of assists in the half while Taylor Drost recorded eight points and two steals.  Fett came off the bench to add six points two rebounds an assist and a block.

As a team, the Mavericks made 13-14 from the free throw line compared to 5-10 for the Vikings and Minnesota State held a 22-19 advantage on the glass.

In the third quarter the Vikings fought back into the game and even managed to take their first lead, 46-44 with 1:19 to go.  The Mavericks traded baskets with the Vikings in the final minute to keep Augustana in the lead, 48-46 going into the fourth.

The Vikings started the fourth quarter with an 8-1 run, extending their lead to 56-47 with 5:50 to go in the game.  They rode their hot start and maintained the lead throughout the quarter, and ultimately came away with the 77-69 win.

Drost finished the game with 16 points, three rebounds and three steals while Brooke Tonsfeldt recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.  Muth also finished the game with a double-double recording 10 points and 11 rebounds while adding five assists and a pair of steals. 

As a team the Mavericks managed to record 14 rebounds on the offensive glass and made 21-28 free throw attempts.  Minnesota State also recorded 17 points off turnovers compared to 12 for Augustana. 

The Mavericks will take on Wayne State tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.  After the game ends, before the men take the court for warmups, the Maverick seniorsMonica Muth and Ashley Reed will be honored for their contributions to the program.