Morris Leads Mustangs Despite Loss to Grand View

DES MOINES, Iowa — On Saturday, the Mount Mercy Mustangs (9-10, 5-7) fell to the Grand View Vikings (14-7, 11-2), with a final score of 72-53. The Vikings' impressive 12 three-pointers outshone the Mustangs' offensive efforts. Despite a solid 76.2 percent from the free-throw line, Mount Mercy couldn't catch up after an early deficit.

Mount Mercy came out strong, with Sydni Morris setting the pace by scoring a layup and a jumper to give the team an early lead. The Mustangs kept the pressure on through effective ball movement, highlighted by Isabel Wallschlaeger's three-pointer, assisted by Sadie Struchen, keeping them competitive.

The Vikings, however, responded with a flurry of three-pointers, briefly pulling ahead. Candace Baker's steady scoring in the paint allowed Mount Mercy to tie the game at 15-15. Grand View closed the quarter narrowly ahead, 18-15.

In the second quarter, the Vikings took charge, widening their lead with sharp shooting from beyond the arc, including two 3-pointers from Eva Solseth. The Mustangs struggled on offense, with Morris contributing six points from the free-throw line as their main scorer. Despite their efforts, Mount Mercy couldn't match Grand View's momentum.

Mount Mercy faced challenges with ball control, resulting in seven turnovers that the Vikings capitalized on, boosting their lead to 15 points at one point. The half ended with Grand View firmly ahead, 40-23.

The Mustangs started the third quarter with a defensive rebound by Taylor Rose but faced a tough stretch as the Vikings extended their lead with more successful three-pointers. Wallschlaeger answered with a three-pointer at 7:34, assisted by Wallschlaeger, to keep the Mustangs in the game.

Morris made a notable impact with a layup and a free throw at 5:48, cutting into the deficit. Despite turnovers, the Mustangs kept up the pressure with defensive stops, including a steal by Rose. The quarter closed with a layup by Sienna Pillsbury, assisted by Sam Kiel, with the score at 58-35 in favor of Grand View.

In the fourth quarter, Mount Mercy put forth a solid effort, scoring 18 points, including seven from the free-throw line. Even with a significant deficit, the team maintained pressure, highlighted by Struchen's 3-pointer at 2:15 and Pillsbury's series of layups, scoring six points in the final two minutes. The Mustangs' defense forced key turnovers and secured three steals, showcasing resilience against the Vikings.

Grand View countered with effective scoring in the paint, recording 10 of their 14 points from close range. With their largest lead of 27 points at 2:26 left in the game, they remained in control. While Mount Mercy outscored Grand View 18-14 in the quarter, the Vikings held a commanding lead, wrapping up the game with a 72-53 victory.

Morris led with 15 points, converting five field goals and five free throws. Rose collected 10 rebounds, including eight defensive boards. Baker added 12 points and four rebounds. Pillsbury contributed seven points and tallied two steals.

Amaya Davison led the Vikings with 20 points, converting 7 of 12 field goals and adding two steals. Claire Galbraith contributed 11 points, hitting 2 of 3 from beyond the arc and collecting two steals. Ellie Knock added seven points and recorded two blocks. Anna Gossling made a significant impact with three steals and five assists, alongside her 11 points. Solseth was efficient, scoring 13 points on 5 of 8 shooting, including 3 of 4 from three-point range.

The Mustangs' record is now 9-10 overall and 5-7 in conference play, while the Vikings improved to 14-7 overall and 11-2 in conference competition.

Up next, Mount Mercy will host Culver-Stockton on Wednesday, Jan. 28 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with the game tipping off at 5:30 p.m.