Wallschlaeger Achieves Triple-Double in Win Over Yellowjackets

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University, led by standout performances, dominated Graceland University with an 85-55 win, showing a 34-point lead in the fourth quarter at Hennessey Rec Center. The Mustangs notched 15 three-pointers, hitting 45.5% from beyond the arc.

The Mustangs set the tone early in the first quarter, with Sam Kiel launching a 3-pointer off an assist from Isabel Wallschlaeger. Mount Mercy's offense thrived in the paint with contributions from Taylor Rose and Candace Baker, building an early lead.

On defense, the Mustangs limited the Yellowjackets to 17 points in the first quarter, capitalizing on opportunities with five assists leading to nine successful baskets. A buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Jocelyn Ramos-Chears extended the lead to 24–17.

In the second quarter, Sadie Struchen's pair of 3-pointers pushed Mount Mercy further ahead. The Mustangs converted turnovers into points, maintaining a strong defensive front with two steals and going a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line.

Graceland struggled, scoring just 11 points in the second quarter. Attempts to close the gap were thwarted by turnovers and missed chances, leaving Mount Mercy with a commanding 47–28 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw Mount Mercy continue its dominance, with a strong presence inside resulting in eight points in the paint. Sydni Morris and Rose added layups, while Wallschlaeger contributed a 3-pointer, bolstering her impressive game. The Mustangs' defense shone with 11 rebounds, limiting Graceland's scoring chances.

Wallschlaeger facilitated the offense with multiple assists, leading to a 7-for-17 shooting performance. Despite the Yellowjackets' efforts, Mount Mercy's teamwork secured a 66-39 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Mustangs began the fourth quarter maintaining their large lead, highlighted by sharp perimeter shooting. Aubrey Luvan and Struchen each hit from beyond the arc, pushing the lead to 34 points at 5:13. Throughout the quarter, Mount Mercy's five 3-pointers and strong defensive rebounding held the Yellowjackets to just six field goals.

Defensively, Wallschlaeger and Rose provided key stops, controlling the paint and securing rebounds. Graceland's Brooklyn Davis and Ianara Morbidoni made a scoring push, but Mount Mercy's consistent shooting from beyond the arc solidified their dominance. The Mustangs secured a decisive 85-55 victory.

Struchen led with 18 points, making six 3-pointers and adding two steals. Rose recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, converting 6 of 10 field goals. Wallschlaeger achieved her first career triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Luvan contributed 12 points, hitting three 3-pointers and 3 of 4 free throws.

Morbidoni led Graceland with 14 points, including two 3-pointers, and collected nine rebounds. Davis added 12 points, hitting 8 from the free-throw line, securing seven rebounds, and adding two steals. Julianna Penn scored six points and made three steals, while Oliviya Tinoco added four points with two steals and a block. Angelique Taylor scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds, shooting 4-for-7 from the field.

Mount Mercy holds a 10-14 overall record and 6-11 in conference play, while Graceland stands at 4-21 overall and 3-14 in the conference.

The Mustangs will face Benedictine on Saturday, Feb. 14, at home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with tip-off set for noon.