Strong Start Not Enough as Mustangs Lose to Vikings

MARSHALL, Mo. — Mount Mercy University (8-9, 4-6) fell to Missouri Valley College (11-7, 8-3), 76-61, on Saturday following a challenging third quarter where they were outscored 26-11. Missouri Valley's 16 second-chance points played a crucial role in their win.

Mount Mercy started strong in the first quarter with a solid defensive showing, notching three blocks, two of which came from Sydni Morris. Offensively, Sadie Struchen hit a three-pointer at 7:03, tying the score at 3-3 and setting the tone. Taylor Rose and Isabel Wallschlaeger were instrumental in key plays, emphasizing the Mustangs' effective ball movement.

The Mustangs edged ahead with consecutive three-pointers from Rose and Struchen, gaining a slim lead. Candace Baker added to the drive with a jumper in the paint at 1:13, assisted by Rose. Despite a late surge from the Vikings, Mount Mercy ended the quarter up 17-15, maintaining a narrow advantage.

In the second quarter, Mount Mercy showed offensive strength, highlighted by Wallschlaeger's layup at 9:26 and Baker's jumper at 7:54, stretching their lead to 10 points by the 7:00 mark. Sam Kiel's defensive contributions were vital, providing several rebounds and a steal during this period.

The Vikings answered with a scoring run, closing the gap with a 3-pointer from Maddison Mills at 3:05 and a layup by Bianca Sarbu at 1:03. Still, the Mustangs' defensive efforts, including blocks from Wallschlaeger, kept them ahead. The quarter concluded with both teams adding 10 points, holding Mount Mercy's lead at 27-25.

Missouri Valley seized control early in the third quarter, building a 15-point lead with a layup from Sara Ortiz at 7:59 and a series of three-pointers. Mount Mercy fought back with a layup by Wallschlaeger, narrowing the deficit to three points at 6:39, but turnovers impeded further progress. The Vikings expanded their lead with continuous scoring, including a three-pointer from Alice Lepetitgaland at 1:37.

Despite a late layup by Jocelyn Ramos-Chears at 0:24, the quarter ended with the Vikings leading 51-38.

Mount Mercy began the fourth quarter with a layup from Sienna Pillsbury and continued to chip away at the deficit with strong shooting, including a three-pointer by Wallschlaeger at 7:19. However, the Vikings maintained their lead through steady scoring, including a layup at 6:16.

The Mustangs persisted, with Morris sinking two free throws at 3:23, but Missouri Valley's defense and free-throw precision kept the gap substantial. Wallschlaeger contributed a block, and Struchen nailed a three-pointer at 1:41, yet the Vikings sealed the game with a layup at 0:38, finishing at 76-61.

Baker tallied 11 points and two blocks, making a significant impact on both ends of the floor. Struchen scored 15 points, including five 3-pointers, highlighting her shooting prowess. Wallschlaeger added 15 points and eight assists, orchestrating the Mustangs' offense. Rose grabbed eight rebounds and scored five points, providing essential backcourt support.

Jessica Reeter led the Vikings with 24 points, converting 7 of 19 field goal attempts, while adding nine assists and two steals. Ortiz made a notable contribution with 12 points and 12 rebounds, five of which were offensive. Lexi Fenstermacher dominated the boards with 12 rebounds and contributed three assists. Mills added nine points, all from three-point range, connecting on 3 of 6 attempts.

The Mustangs' record stands at 8-9 overall and 4-6 in conference play. The Vikings hold an 11-7 overall record and an 8-3 mark in conference competition.

Next up, Mount Mercy will take on Graceland on Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Lamoni, Iowa, with the game tipping off at 5:30 p.m.