Mustangs score early, often in rout of Yellowjackets

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- A huge opening half carried the Mount Mercy women's basketball team to an 89-69 Heart of America Athletic Conference victory over Graceland on Wednesday evening at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The Mustangs (8-11, 5-3 Heart) came in averaging 62 points per game but nearly had that in the first two quarters. Mount Mercy led by four at the end of one, then outscored the Yellowjackets (4-13, 1-7 Heart), 34-11, during the second period to take a 58-31 halftime advantage. Graceland won the final two quarters but it was too little too late.

Mount Mercy's starters accounted for 67 of their 89 points. Annika Headington was a perfect 8-of-8 from the floor, including 4-of-4 beyond the arc, while pouring in a career-high 23 points. She also had a team-high eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Sammy Mia and Kyla Richardson added 12 points each, Cristian Patron 11, and Sassy Coleman nine.

Heaven Mbaruk led all scorers with 24 points to go with eight rebounds and six blocked shots. Madilyn Sager totaled 14 points and 11 boards, Brooke Vermeer 14 points and six rebounds.

Mount Mercy hosts 13th-ranked Central Methodist (15-3, 5-3 Heart) on Saturday at 2:00 pm.