Mustangs Fall to Ravens on Senior Day

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — On Senior Day at Hennessey Rec Center, Mount Mercy University (10-15, 6-12) faced a tough matchup against Benedictine College (21-5, 17-1), ultimately falling 82-44. The Mustangs struggled with turnovers, allowing the Ravens to score 25 points off those errors.

Mount Mercy opened the first quarter with early turnovers, handing Benedictine an immediate edge. Despite a defensive rebound from Sadie Struchen at 8:46, the Mustangs couldn't find their rhythm offensively. Isabel Wallschlaeger and Taylor Rose put up a fight with their scoring, but the Ravens' defense was relentless.

Struchen hit a crucial jumper at 7:31, and Sydni Morris followed with a layup at 5:57 to close the gap. Struchen then sank a three-pointer at 5:31, assisted by Wallschlaeger, bringing Mount Mercy within three points. However, Benedictine's strong free-throw and inside game extended their lead.

As the first quarter closed, the Mustangs trailed 23-9, needing adjustments for the next phase.

Mount Mercy entered the second quarter with determination. Taylor Rose nailed an early 3-pointer, assisted by Struchen, cutting the deficit to 25-12. Struchen continued her impact with another three-pointer. Yet, Benedictine's consistent scoring stretched their lead, peaking at an 18-point advantage.

Throughout the second quarter, Mount Mercy found some success from beyond the arc. Struchen added another three-pointer, and Wallschlaeger hit a jumper. Still, Benedictine's defense, highlighted by multiple steals, stifled Mount Mercy's runs. The half ended with a late 3-pointer from Rose, assisted by Aubrey Luvan, but the Mustangs trailed 40-25.

In the third quarter, Benedictine increased their lead with a series of successful shots. Despite turnovers, the Mustangs' defense managed three steals, including a critical takeaway by Wallschlaeger, briefly interrupting the Ravens' momentum.

Taylor Wells scored from the free-throw line, and Morris added a jumper to keep Mount Mercy in the game. Yet, Benedictine capitalized on opportunities, maintaining their lead. The quarter concluded with a Morris layup, but the Mustangs were down 56-34.

Mount Mercy fought to close the gap in the fourth quarter. Wallschlaeger contributed a layup and a three-pointer to cut into Benedictine's lead. However, the Ravens maintained control with efficient shooting and assists from Riley Bruggeman and Kyla Fitzgerald's perimeter success.

As the quarter progressed, Mount Mercy couldn't match Benedictine's offensive output, adding just two more field goals. Wells added a late layup, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. Benedictine wrapped up the game with a 26-10 advantage in the final quarter, sealing an 82-44 victory.

Struchen led the Mustangs with 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and two rebounds. Wallschlaeger posted 12 points, three steals, and three assists. Wells grabbed six rebounds, five offensive, and added six points. Morris chipped in six points and led with eight rebounds.

For the Ravens, Bruggeman scored 24 points, with 10 rebounds and nine assists. Fitzgerald added 21 points, including three 3-pointers, and blocked two shots. Hattie Gros was key defensively with seven rebounds, two steals, and 11 points. Nicole Storck was perfect from the field, scoring eight points on 4-for-4 shooting with four assists. Grace Dixon contributed nine rebounds and two points.

The Mustangs, now 10-15, 6-12, will face Clarke on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 5:30 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.