CHICAGO, Ill. -- The Vikings women's basketball team tipped off their conference schedule on Wednesday night, taking a loss to the Millikin Big Blue by a score of 39-59.

North Park started the game strong with a 16-14 lead through the 1st quarter, but the Vikings dealt with shooting woes for the game's remainder against Millikin's zone defense. The Big Blue swarmed the midrange and forced the Vikings to beat them with ball movement and the 3-point shot. North Park accomplished the former, swinging quick passes around the perimeter that helped open up lanes in the paint where they scored 26 of their 39 points. However, the deep ball marked the team's downfall as the Vikings shot just 1-17 from distance. 

North Park was led in scoring by Esther Miller's 14, while Millikin's Sophie Darden led all scorers with 16. 

The Vikings get another shot at Millikin on February 1st, but North Park's focus for now will be on North Central who they matchup with on Saturday, December 3rd. The Cardinals will host that contest in Naperville with tip-off set for 5:00 P.M.