Despite a 12-kill performance from freshman Lauren Wiltsie, North Park couldn't overcome Wheaton's attack in a 15-25, 19-25, 19-25 loss in College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin action Tuesday night.

In addition to her 12 kills, Wiltsie served up four aces, including back-to-back drop shots in the second set which brought North Park back from a three-point deficit, but the Thunder used a combined .256 hitting percentage to earn their first CCIW win of the season.

Freshman Emily Farwell added six kills and senior Hayley Brake came up with three. Tuesday's matchup also marked the third match back for senior Abigail McKowen, who was returned from a slight injury. She finished the match with five assists and two digs.

Wheaton opened the first set with a pair of service aces, but North Park regrouped late in the set and took advantage of two Thunder hitting errors and an ace from Alie Whicker to reel off four-straight points.

Sophomore Darby Switzer totaled 10 assists and senior Karen Rosales came up with seven digs.

North Park (7-13, 0-4) returns to action this weekend when it competes at the Illinois Institute of Technology Tri-Match on the South Side. The Vikings open with the host Scarlet Hawks at 10 a.m.