DES MOINES, Iowa -- Third-seeded Mount Mercy battled back from a 21-point deficit in the second half, but didn't have enough to overcome second-seeded Grand View in a 70-59 loss to the 17th-ranked Vikings in Saturday's Midwest Collegiate Conference women's basketball semifinal at Sisam Arena.

Mount Mercy never led in Saturday's contest, and trailed, 38-19, at intermission after shooting 14.6 percent (6-of-41) from the floor in the first period. The Mustangs, who trailed by as many as 21 points early in the second half, were down, 52-40, with 13:38 to go before a 13-2 run got them within a point, 54-53, with 7:03 remaining.

Grand View answered with six straight points to push its lead back to seven, 60-53, just under the six minute mark. Mount Mercy was within four, 63-59, after a three-point play by senior guard Catalina de la Quintana with 2:13 on the clock, but went scoreless down the stretch as the Vikings made their last five free throws to earn the win.

Quintana finished with four 3-pointers and 18 points for the Mustangs, who finish the season with a record of 20-12. Sophomore guard Ashley Koch recorded her first double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while senior forward Shanda Novak added 11 points and six boards.

Jennifer Jorgensen was huge for the Vikings (25-7), finishing with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Bailey Schechinger tallied 22 points and 10 boards and Micah Reed joined them in double figures with 10 points to go along with five assists.

With its third win of the season over Mount Mercy, Grand View advances to the MCC championship game against top-seeded Iowa Wesleyan (24-7). The 13th-ranked Tigers edged fourth-seeded St. Ambrose, 75-72, on Saturday in Mount Pleasant, and host the Vikings on Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Ruble Arena.