CHICAGO, Ill. -- North Park Women's Basketball fell in its College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) opener on Saturday afternoon. 

An early lead disappeared for the Vikings thanks to the Big Blue's work in the low post, mainly generated by 21 points from Nikkel Johnson. Millikin tallied 34 points in the paint and took advantage of 19 turnovers from North Park.

The Vikings built a 17-12 lead thanks to timely shots from Hershberger, including a successful pair of free throws early in the second quarter and a fastbreak steal to layup by sophomore guard Aliesha Peterson. However, six consecutive Big Blue points from Nikkel and a three pointer for Hannah Ermeling gave Millikin its first lead of the game - one they never surrendered the rest of the way. 

Junior guard Aliyah Hershberger poured in a career high 24 points thanks to four 3-pointers, adding four rebounds and three assists. Hershberger was the only player in Blue & Gold to score in the double digits, while junior guard Teresa Morrissey was NPU's lead rebounder with six.

For the Big Blue, three players were in double figures: Johnson (21), Nylaia Carter (12), and Tatum Young (10). Johnson nearly had a double-double, adding nine rebounds.

What's Next?

North Park (1-6, 0-1 CCIW) returns to action next Saturday, December 13, for a game against North Central (5-2, 1-0 CCIW). Tipoff in Chicago inside Carlson Gym is set for 2:00 PM CT.