Mustangs Fall to Pride in Final Home Game

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University (10-16, 6-13) faced Clarke University (15-12, 11-8) at Hennessey Rec Center on Wednesday, falling 92-54. Despite a solid effort on the boards with 53 rebounds, the Mustangs struggled with a 31.0% field goal percentage.

Mount Mercy kicked off the first quarter with steady paint scoring, highlighted by Sam Kiel's early layup. Isabel Wallschlaeger's three-pointer gave the team a brief 5-2 lead. However, Clarke responded with consistent shooting, including a three-pointer by Hailey Walters, allowing the Pride to edge ahead.

Defensively, the Mustangs worked hard, with Candace Baker securing several key rebounds. Jocelyn Ramos-Chears connected on a layup and assisted Baker on a three-pointer to keep it close. Clarke capitalized on turnovers to maintain its lead, closing the quarter with Mount Mercy trailing 21-19 after a last-second jumper by Sadie Struchen.

In the second quarter, Mount Mercy struggled to maintain momentum. Struchen opened with a three-pointer, assisted by Kiel, to briefly take the lead at 22-21. However, the Pride quickly reclaimed their advantage with a series of successful baskets, including a crucial three-pointer from Camdyn Kay. Turnovers continued to plague the Mustangs, hindering their efforts to close the gap.

Although Baker hit a three-pointer, Clarke's offensive surge, fueled by fast breaks and points in the paint, widened the gap significantly, ending the quarter 45-25 in Clarke's favor.

Mount Mercy came out strong defensively in the third quarter, with Taylor Rose's steal at 7:15 leading to a layup that chipped away at Clarke's lead. The Mustangs showed resilience with successful plays, including a three-pointer by Aubrey Luvan at 6:13, assisted by Kiel, closing the gap further.

The Mustangs gained momentum with back-to-back three-pointers from Kiel and Wallschlaeger, ending the quarter with both teams scoring 18 points. However, Clarke maintained its lead.

In the fourth quarter, Clarke extended its lead with effective shooting and strong defense. Mount Mercy found brief success in the paint, highlighted by Luvan's layup at 7:08 and a jumper from Sydni Morris at 4:49. Despite these efforts, Clarke capitalized on multiple three-pointers to widen the gap further.

The Mustangs struggled to convert field goals, contributing to Clarke's sustained lead. While Mount Mercy showed resilience with offensive rebounds, Clarke's scoring efficiency and defense kept the pressure on. The game concluded with Clarke leading 92-54.

Baker recorded 11 rebounds and six points, including two 3-pointers. Morris added nine points and collected eight rebounds. Wallschlaeger scored six points and led the defense with two steals. Kiel facilitated the offense with six assists and seven points.

For Clarke, Walters led with 20 points, hitting 8 of 17 from the field, including three 3-pointers, adding three rebounds and two steals. Zoe Kennedy recorded a double-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Camdyn Kay added 15 points and five rebounds with two steals. Abby Hollis made an impact from beyond the arc with three 3-pointers, finishing with nine points and two assists.

Mount Mercy stands at 10-16 overall, 6-13 in conference play, while Clarke holds a 15-12 overall record, 11-8 in conference. Up next, Mount Mercy will travel to face William Woods on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. in Fulton, Missouri.