Pictures from Dr. Jeff Nelson and Virginia Smith

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The North Park University women's basketball team lost to conference-leading Illinois Wesleyan on Wednesday by a score of 68-49.

The loss comes in the absence of North Park's second leading scorer Emily Czuhajewski. The Vikings sorely missed her shooting tonight as they went 0-11 from behind the arc. The team will look to Lauren Lee—currently 3rd in the CCIW in 3FG per game—to help accommodate 

The Vikings got out to a hot start, establishing an early lead and holding the Titans scoreless through the opening 2 minutes. After a lead change late in the 1st quarter though, the game was controlled entirely by the Titans who earned their 8th win of the CCIW season. 

Despite a lopsided final score, the Vikings fought well throughout the first half and were trailing by just 7 to start the 2nd. The Titans however employed a full court press that was able to force North Park into some wasted possessions, and Wesleyan pulled away on the back of this defensive pressure.

Brooke Lansford of the Titans and North Park's Jayla Johnson led all scorers with 20. Johnson also had a game-high 13 rebounds en route to yet another double-double for the star forward. 

What's Next?

The Vikings next matchup comes against Carthage, who they'll face off with on Wednesday at 7 p.m. across state lines in Kenosha, Wisconsin.