Hastings, NE - The Vikings hit the road for their first road test of the season as they looked to advance to 3-0 on the season as well as 2-0 vs. GPAC opponents. At the end of 40 minutes the Vikings were able to take control over the game and secure a 24 point victory over the Mustangs 

How It Happened: 
The Vikings took control of the game from the jump as Katie Fogarty hit a 3 thirty seconds into the game. This helped the Vikings jump out to a 9-3 lead. The teams would trade baskets down the stretch of the first quarter before the defense would shine in the final seconds as Ella Larsen would block a three point shot at the buzzer. 

The second quarter would start with another defensive stop as Larsen picked up a steal on the opening possession leading to a Brianna Fields layup. The Defense would continue to fuel the Vikings in the final quarter of the first half as they picked up 5 steals to fuel a 20-7 run over the last 6 minutes of play, headlined by a 10 point second quarter from Anna Gossling. The Vikings would head to the locker room up 50-27. 

The Mustangs would come out of the half with a spark as they forced a pair of Viking turnovers to start and would hit a three pointer to cut the lead to 20. The Vikings would regain their composure as Cleao Murray would sink a pair of free throws to get the team back on track. Both teams would struggle to score in the 3rd quarter as Hasting took a timeout with 4:35 remaining to try and reset their team. Murray would again steal the momentum back as she cashed in a 3 pointer after the timeout. Hastings would put together a short run to cut the Viking lead to 16 as the 3rd quarter came to an end. 

The 4th quarter would start with the Mustangs still attempting to cut into the deficit and they were able to crawl back within 10 points with just over 6 minutes left of game time. But the Vikings would stand tall in the final minutes as they slowly pulled away and leaned on their defense as they only allowed 2 points in the final 6:15 of play. Larsen led the way as she collected 8 points and 2 blocks down the stretch to hold onto the lead and pick up the 81-57 win. 

Game Notes: 

• Vikings Shot 41.7% from the field and 87.5% from the line. 
• Out rebounded the mustangs 53-23
• Collected 18 second chance points 
• Dominated in the paint with 36 points scored inside
• The Vikings never trailed in the game. 

What's Next? 
The Vikings are back at home this Tuesday as they look to take on Mount Mercy in their opening conference matchup. Tip off is slated for 5:30 PM in Sisam Arena.