Mustangs Drop Nonconference Contest at Morningside

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Mount Mercy women's basketball team dropped its second contest of the season Saturday night, falling to Morningside, 90–45, at Allee Gymnasium. The Mustangs move to 2–2 overall following the nonconference matchup.

Mount Mercy opened the first quarter trading defensive stops before Morningside took control behind an early 9–0 run. Mount Mercy struggled from the field in the opening frame, shooting 25 percent (3-for-12), while Morningside converted 40 percent (10-for-25). Sadie Struchen provided the offensive spark for Mount Mercy in the first quarter with two 3-pointers, accounting for six of the Mustangs' eight points.

The Mustangs improved their field goal percentage in the second quarter to 41.7 percent but were unable to slow Morningside's perimeter shooting. Aubrey Luvan and Sydni Morris each scored four points in the period, and Isabel Wallschlaeger added a pair of free throws. Despite the effort, Morningside extended its lead to 48–20 at halftime after connecting on 43 percent from beyond the arc.

In the third quarter, Mount Mercy found offensive consistency, led by Struchen and Wallschlaeger combining for nine points. The Mustangs posted a 33.3 percent shooting mark from the floor in the frame but were limited by turnovers, committing seven in the quarter and 24 for the game. Morningside continued its efficient shooting from deep, adding three triples in the third to maintain a 66–33 advantage entering the final period.

The fourth quarter saw both teams rotate lineups, with Mount Mercy's bench contributing 12 points in the final 10 minutes. Morris added two baskets inside and went 4-for-6 from the free-throw line to finish with 10 points and a team-high seven rebounds. Sharmaine Tapling closed the game with six points off the bench, going 2-for-3 from the field.

Struchen led Mount Mercy with 13 points, shooting 5-for-11 overall and 2-for-6 from three-point range. Wallschlaeger contributed six points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Taylor Rose pulled down six boards and added a blocked shot. The Mustangs finished 16-for-54 (29.6 percent) from the field, 2-for-14 (14.3 percent) from three, and 11-for-15 (73.3 percent) at the free-throw line.

Defensively, Mount Mercy totaled 37 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. The Mustangs recorded four blocked shots and one steal but were outscored 30–12 in the paint and 20–6 in points off turnovers.

Morningside finished with 58 rebounds and 23 assists on 29 made field goals. Lily Vollertsen led all scorers with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Clancy Brown and Dani Peterson each added 11 points. The home team shot 42.3 percent from three-point range and 70 percent from the foul line.

Mount Mercy returns to action Wednesday, Nov. 5, at home against Mayville State. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. inside Hennessey Recreation Center.