ELMHURST, ILL.—The Carthage College women's basketball team was looking to dodge the road monkey off their back at Elmhurst College on Wednesday night. The Lady Reds, who entered Wednesday's affair with an 0-6 road record, were also in pursuit of a five-game win streak.
Â
Playoff positioning was also at stake for both squads as the Bluejays held a one and a half game cushion on Carthage prior to Wednesday night.
Â
The Lady Reds failed to overcome their road woes in a 75-58 loss to Elmhurst.
Â
Carthage falls to 12-9, 6-6 CCIW while Elmhurst improves to 17-5, 9-4 CCIW.
Â
Elmhurst 75, Lady Reds 58
Â
The Lady Reds' lone advantage of the contest occurred at the 7:47 mark of the opening frame when
Morgan Harris tailed a three-pointer to make the score 5-4. The Bluejays pushed their lead to 15-7 with 3:12 left in the first quarter thanks to three-consecutive three-pointers from Kaela Jones (2) and Jasmin Bailey.
Â
Back-to-back
Maggie Berigan layups along with a
Madie Kaelber three-pointer got the Lady Reds within two points at 17-15 with 9:50 left in the second quarter before Elmhurst ran away.
Â
A pair of Jones three-pointers along with seven points from Mikaela Eppard to close the half propelled Elmhurst to a 40-23 advantage. The Bluejays notched seven of their 11 three-point shots in the opening half.Â
Â
Harris and Kaelber each tallied five points for Carthage in the third quarter, but that didn't stop Elmhurst from maintaining an 18-point, 55-37 lead heading into the final frame. Eppard locked up her CCIW-leading 14
th double double of the season with 14 points and 13 boards heading into the fourth quarter.
Â
The Lady Reds outscored Elmhurst 21-20 in the fourth quarter, but came up short in a 75-58 loss.
Â
Kaelber led all players with 23 points while going 10-of-18 from the field. Eppard notched 20 points and 16 boards for the Bluejays.
Â
Carthage will face Illinois Wesleyan University in their final home game of 2016-17 on Saturday, February 11 at 5:00 p.m.. Senior
Mandy Hozzian will be honored prior to Saturday's affair with the Titans.Â