SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana women's basketball came out swinging on Friday night against the University of Mary and didn't look back as three Vikings finished in double figures to secure the first NSIC win of the season, 61-52, in front of a home crowd.
 
The win pushes AU to 3-13 overall and 1-9 in conference play while the Marauders drop to 8-5 this season and 5-4 in the NSIC.
 
Hannah Burg led all scorers with her 20 points off 7-of-11 shooting from the field as Brinlee McRae added in 13 points and Payton Hardy scored 10. Olivia Hayenga led in three statistical categories with her 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals and Isabella Sanneh collected two blocks.
 
Action inside the Elmen Center started fast for the home team, who took an early 10-3 lead off a layup from Hayenga. With 6:23 remaining in the quarter, the two teams locked into an all-out defensive battle, allowing only three total baskets between them over the next four minutes. After back-to-back buckets from UMary, Burg hit a layup to take the 16-8 lead after the first 10 minutes.
 
UMary took a 7-2 run to close the gap to three at 18-15 but, after another joint scoreless spell, the Vikings scored six straight to regain control. The Marauders hit consecutive baskets, but continued to struggle from the floor and beyond the arc, resulting in a 25-19 lead for the Vikings at the half.
 
Augustana came out of the break with back-to-back buckets to take a double-digit lead for the first time on the night. UMary rattled off seven straight points to close in once again but the home team immediately hit back with a 9-0 run of its own to force an 11-point lead. Despite the Marauder tipin with under a minute remaining, the Vikings remained firmly ahead, 40-33, with momentum.
 
A layup from Burg re-opened the 11-point lead at 44-33 but back-to-back 3-pointers from UMary kept it within swinging distance. A cumulative 5-of-6 stint at the free throw line pushed the advantage to 13 until another 7-1 run from the visitors made it a 56-49 game with 1:10 remaining. The game ended at the free throw line, as the Vikings again went 5-of-6 to fend off the late rally and secure the 61-52 victory.
 
The Vikings will return to action on Saturday afternoon with a 3:30 p.m. tip set against Northern State inside the Elmen Center.