Mustangs End Season in Semifinal Loss to Pioneers

OLATHE, Kan. - Mount Mercy's women's basketball team saw its season come to a close after falling to MidAmerica Nazarene, 85-71, in the Heart of America semifinals on Friday night. The Mustangs finished the season with a 17-12 overall record and a 14-10 mark in conference play.

From the opening tip, the Mustangs stayed competitive, trailing by no more than seven points in the first quarter. However, the Pioneers pulled away late in the first half, taking a 47-32 lead into the halftime break. MidAmerica Nazarene maintained control for the remainder of the game, never allowing Mount Mercy to get closer than 12 points, ultimately securing the 85-71 victory.

Madison Skelton led four Mustangs in double figures, scoring 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting while adding five rebounds and seven assists. Malie Marfil followed with 18 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Claudia Vanzant and Annika Headington also contributed, scoring 12 and 10 points, respectively.

MidAmerica Nazarene's offense was powered by Zaylee Werth, who recorded a double-double with 21 points on 9-for-12 shooting and 11 rebounds. Keona Schenck added 20 points, while Aubrey Rogers chipped in 14 to help seal the Pioneers' win.

As the season concludes, four Mustangs earned Heart All-Conference honors: Claudia Vanzant (First Team), Annika Headington (Second Team), Madison Skelton (Third Team), and Malie Marfil (Third Team).