DES MOINES, Iowa - The Ashford University (8-9, 1-4 MCC) women's basketball team took one of the nation's best to the brink on Saturday at No. 20 Grand View University (14-5, 4-1 MCC), but was just short of pulling the upset, falling 76-69.

The Saints suffered their fourth defeat in Midwest Collegiate Conference play at the expense of the Vikings, who pulled into a three-way tie at the top of the standings with No. 14 St. Ambrose University and Iowa Wesleyan College.

With the help of a game high 22 points from Jennifer Jorgensen and two others (Bailey Schechinger, Danielle Ballard) in double figures, Grand View extended its win streak to four games.

Senior guard Kelly Fisher of Fremont, Calif., led Ashford with 20 points, half coming from the free throw line, and eight rebounds. Senior forward Jessie Rosenow of Erie, Ill., chipped in a season-high nine points.

"I was pleased that we were able some things to stay within striking distance in the first half," AU Head Coach Chris Powers said. "We were able to climb back several times and we can use this game as an example while moving forward in our schedule."

Ashford led for the first two minutes of play before having to play a little catch-up as the Vikings built a nine-point advantage.

Following a 30-second timeout, the Saints would rattle off a 16-7 run, highlighted by a pair of jumpers from Heather Hoge of Camanche and trifectas from Fisher and junior guard Kayla Crist of Stanwood, to tie at 31-all.

There would be two more ties before the intermission and AU had one field goal from senior Bethany Mahmens of Goose Lake in the final five minutes, but efficiency at the charity stripe was critical to help the Saints trail by just one at halftime.

"We tried to come out and play for each other and for ourselves and it was an enjoyable game," said Rosenow, who was 4-of-7 from the field. "Even though it didn't turn out the way we wanted to in the end, we felt like we bounced back from our last two games and were able to click."

Grand View appeared to be starting to pull away in the second half with an eight-point edge, but Ashford trimmed the deficit to three with five minutes left thanks to a jumper by Rosenow.

Freshman guard Kaela Hunt of Indianapolis had three of her five points on a trey to cut the lead to one at 69-68 with a minute and change left in regulation, but the Vikings were able to convert just enough free throws down the stretch to hold on to the lead.

The Saints will enjoy a week of rest before resuming MCC action next Saturday in Kehl Arena, hosting Waldorf College at 1 p.m.