Mustangs extend winning streak to seven ahead of conference action

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa - The Mount Mercy women's volleyball team picked up where they left off, earning their third consecutive 3-0 sweep after defeating Iowa Wesleyan earlier tonight inside Ruble Arena. The Mustangs took down the Tigers 25-14, 25-11, 25-15 for their seventh straight non-conference win. 

Iowa Wesleyan scored the first point of the match, but Mount Mercy rattled off six points for the lead. The Tigers would get within five at 16-11, but the Mustangs always had an answer. Hailey Hested finished off the first set with two aces. Neither team could create any separation in the second set as it was all notched up at 10. Back-to-back aces from Mackenzie Murphy gave Mount Mercy all the momentum they needed. The Mustangs only allowed a single point the remainder of the set as Murphy served the next 11 points, ensuring the Mustangs largest lead of the night, 25-14. The energy stayed with Mount Mercy as they led the entirety of the third set. Iowa Wesleyan (0-1) closed the gap to four at 10-6, but again an ace, this time by Rylie Mussman propelled a Mount Mercy run to close out the match. 

Mount Mercy got contributions from every player who saw action; eight different Mustangs tallied a kill and 10 recorded a dig. Murphy led both teams with eight kills and six aces. Cassidy Boche added five kills of her own. Izzie McKinley filled up the stat sheet, totaling 11 assists to go along with five digs, a kill, a service ace, and a solo block. Mussman finished with 19 digs. 

The Mustangs (7-1, 0-0) take their seven-game winning streak into Heart of America Athletic Conference play later this week as they host Culver-Stockton (Mo.) (4-1, 0-0) on Friday, September 2 at 7:00 pm at Hennessey Rec. Center.