Mustangs come up short in bid for third straight win

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A hot start by Missouri Valley was too much to overcome for the Mount Mercy women's basketball team, which saw their bid for a third consecutive win stymied by the Vikings, 79-70, in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game Wednesday night at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Missouri Valley, which extended its winning streak to five games, was 10-of-17 from the field and 4-of-6 from 3-point range in the opening quarter to take a 27-12 lead. Mount Mercy got within 12 by halftime, played an even third period, and then outscored the Vikings, 23-20, in the fourth but it wasn't enough to keep its streak alive.

Annika Headington led the way for the Mustangs (4-3, 2-2 Heart) with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals. She was joined in double figures by Malie Marfil with 13 points, Madison Dreckman added 11 points and five boards, Madison Skelton 10 points and four rebounds, and Karlie Krogman eight points and three boards off the bench.

Ricarda Scott poured in a game-high 20 points to go along with six rebounds for the Vikings (6-1, 4-0 Heart). Giavanna Moore tallied 19 points, six boards, and three assists in just 22 minutes. Sophie Sullivan had 15 points, three rebounds, three assists, and a pair of steals.

Mount Mercy hosts Park on Saturday at noon, then has a week off before a trip to Olathe, Kan., to face MidAmerica Nazarene on Dec. 9 at noon at the Cook Center.