Northfield (10-8 overall, 8-6 Big Nine) hit a late three-pointer with 3.4 seconds left in the game and it kept Austin from getting a shot off as time expired and the Packers girls basketball team lost 54-51 in Northfield Friday.

Austin (8-7 overall, 8-6 Big Nine) made a second half push behind the outside shooting of Shayley Vesel, who had 21 points, and Ashley Hawkshead, who had 10 points, but it wasn’t enough.

“We lost a hard fought battle tonight,” Austin head coach Todd Johnson said.

Austin 23 28 — 51

Northfield 24 30 — 54

Austin scoring: Shayley Vesel, 21; Ashley Hawkshead, 10; Rebecca Younis, 7; Ruth Koang, 4; Awenia Nywesh, 4; Amber Hansen, 3; Kelsey Sederquest, 2; free throws: 75 percent (15-for-20)