SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The Augustana University women's basketball team (5-1, 0-1 NSIC) used a stout defense to overcome their worst shooting performance of the young season to defeat Dordt College (4-6) 58-51 Saturday afternoon in the Elmen Center.

Augustana had it's worst shooting performance since Jan. 10th of last season when they shot 12 percent from behind the three-point line. The Vikings shot just 13 percent today against the Dordt College Defenders. They picked it up in the second half after shooting just eight percent from behind the arc in the first half. Augustana was 4-30 from behind the 3-point line.

From the field Augustana shot 26 percent in the first half and ended the game with a 26 percent shooting night on just 21-79 shooting. This was the Vikings lowest shooting percentage through six games this season.  

DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE

The Vikings used their stingy full court press to perfection against the Defenders forcing 14 turnovers in the first half and 19 for the game. Eight of those 19 turnovers forced were by way of the steal. The Vikings were also able to hold Dordt to just a 26 percent shooting.

Augustana got after it under the boards as well, picking up four blocked shots in the first half and six  for the game. The Vikings have now had at least five blocks in every game this season.

The Vikings also had six steals when the went into the locker room for halftime and eight steals for the game.

GETTING IT DONE FROM THE LINE

Two games removed from only shooting four free-throws total against Wayne State, Augustana shot 14 free-throws against Dordt. The team was 12-14, 85 percent, during the game. They went a perfect 6-6 in the first half. Both Nicole Kerkhoff and Sydney Rome were perfect from the line.

HOW THEY DID

Kerkhoff led the way for the Vikings Saturday picking up her, and the team's, first double-double of the season. Kerkhoff led the Vikings in scoring with 10 points while also leading the team with 10 rebounds. Kerkhoff was 4-4 from the charity stripe while adding an assist and a steal to her totals.

Sophie Kenney had nine points with three assists, three steals and a block. She went 3-4 from the free-throw line while adding five rebounds.

Paige Peterson, Presley O'Farrell and Rome each had eight points against Dordt College.

For the second straight game Shelby Selland led the team in blocked shots with three. This was Selland's third game with at least three blocks.

UP NEXT

Augustana will have the NSIC home opener at the Sioux Falls Arena on Dec. 4 when the host Minnesota State Mankato at 6 p.m.