DES MOINES, IA- The Vikings squared off against the Benedictine Ravens for another Heart Conference matchup. After building up an early lead on the Ravens they slowly worked their way back into the game to best the Vikings with a final score of 58-56. 

HOW IT HAPPENED: 
The Vikings came out firing to start the game as they jumped out to a 9-1 lead in the first 5 minutes of the 1st quarter. And the Vikings kept their foot on the gas as they extended their lead in final few seconds of the quarter with a Rachel Leer layup to lead 19-6. Ella Larsen led the way for the Vikings in the early goings as she nearly had a double double in the first quarter with 9 points and 7 rebounds. 

The second quarter would start with a short Raven's run as they cut the lead down to 7 points in the early part of the quarter. But Anna Gossling would get the Vikings back on track as she would connect on a three pointer with less then 4 minutes left in the half. The Vikings defense would take over in the final moments of the half as they only allowed 2 points in the final three and a half minutes of play. Larsen would lead the way again as she collected 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 assist, and 6 more points completing her double double in the first half. Vikings head to the locker room up 15 with a score of 37-22

Throughout the 3rd quarter the teams would trade baskets as the Ravens would eventually cut the lead down to 5 points 46-41 to start the 4th period. The Vikings would struggle from the field as they shot 21.4% overall and 22.2% from beyond the arc. They were also out rebounded in the period by 8 boards with 3 of those being on the offensive side. The Vikings would keep the Raven's in check throughout the quarter until just under 4 minutes left when they were able to take their first lead of the game. Anna Gossling would lead the Vikings offensively down the stretch as she collected 6 points. But a pair of costly turnovers in the final 4 seconds of the game would give the Raven's a chance to take the lead. In the end the Vikings would fall to the Raven's 58-56. 

GAME NOTES: 

• The Vikings bench was outscored 28-11
• Vikings controlled the paint with 28 points in the lane 
• 7 Different Vikings scored in the contest 

 WHAT'S NEXT?
The Vikings will travel to Canton, MO this weekend to face off against the Culver Stockton Wildcats. Tip off is set for 2:00PM on Saturday.