DUBUQUE, Iowa – The Loras College women's basketball team fell to Augustana College, 54-52, in the opening game of the Paxton's Pack Classic hosted by the University of Dubuque on Monday evening.

The Duhawks outscored Augustana (5-5, 1-1 CCIW) in both the first and second quarters to head into the break with a 12-point (26-24) lead. However, the Vikings cut into the deficit over the course of the second half, knotting the score up at 45-45 with 5:46 remaining in the contest.

Loras (4-7, 0-3 A-R-C) responded with a 5-0 run, which included a layup from Ashtyn Kelderman and a three-pointer from Page Erickson, but Augustana was able to tie the score up once more at 52-52 with just 1:19 left to play. The Vikings went 2-of-4 from the free throw line in the final six seconds to earn the win.

Claire Wagner led the way for the Duhawks, finishing with 12 points and eight rebounds, while Kelderman followed closely behind with 11 points, seven boards, and four assists. As a team, the Purple and Gold shot 32.7 percent (18-of-55) from the floor and 57.1 percent (8-of-14) from the foul line.

Cali Papez paced the Vikings on both sides of the ball, totaling 20 points and 15 rebounds on the night, while Kadence Tatum rounded out the double-digit scorers with 11 points and four steals. As a team, Augustana shot 38.2 percent (21-of-55) from the field and 61.1 percent (11-of-18) from the charity stripe.

Up Next: The Duhawks look to bounce back against the University of Wisconsin-Stout Blue Devils tomorrow. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. from the Stoltz Sports Center.