Mia reaches 1,000 points, but Mustangs stumble in 2023 opener

OSKALOOSA, Iowa - With her first shot of the New Year, Sammy Mia became the 32nd Mount Mercy women's basketball player to eclipse the 1,000 point mark in her career. Despite the milestone, the Mustangs fell to the Statesmen 71-34 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at Penn Gymnasium on Wednesday night.

William Penn (6-8, 3-5 Heart) and Mount Mercy (7-7, 3-5 Heart) played an even first quarter. Mia connected on back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Mustangs an early 10-6 advantage. The Statesmen responded and took an 18-14 lead heading into the second quarter. 

The Statesmen dominated the remaining three periods, holding the Mustangs to just 26.1 percent (12-for-46) from the field and 21.1 percent from behind the arc (4-for-19). William Penn shot a blistering 47.1 percent on the night (24-for-51) including 52.4 percent from 3-point range (11-for-21). 

Mia finished with nine points. She is now at 1,008 points for her career, amassing this total in just 78 games. She also sits tied for 23rd in program history with 87 3-pointers made. 

The Mustangs are back in action on Saturday, Jan. 7 as they host Baker (Kan.) (5-7, 1-6 Heart) at noon inside Hennessey Rec. Center for another Heart matchup.