Mustangs Fall at Home in Season Opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — On Friday, Mount Mercy faced a tough matchup against the University of Wisconsin-Stout, falling 25-2 at Hadzic Field. The Blue Devils set the pace early, netting 11 goals in the first quarter.

The game kicked off with Lauren O'Toole in the goal for the Mustangs, while Anna Hron guarded the net for UW-Stout. It didn't take long for UW-Stout to seize control, as Brinley Tonn scored the opening goal at 12:07, quickly following up with another just 18 seconds later, assisted by Mai Nou Vang. Vang proved pivotal in their offensive surge, contributing two goals and three assists. The Mustangs' Alyssa Karstenson managed to score at the 9:00 mark, but the quarter ended with UW-Stout firmly ahead, 11-1, punctuated by Tonn's third goal with just 51 seconds remaining.

The Blue Devils continued their dominance into the second quarter, adding five more unanswered goals. Vang kicked things off at 12:21, with Riley Schulte finding the net shortly after, assisted by Megan Palmer. Kailyn Morin added to the tally at 8:02, followed by Vang's second goal, again assisted by Palmer, at 6:37. Madeline Candline wrapped up the quarter's scoring with her goal at 5:04, assisted by Vang. The Mustangs found it difficult to control the ball, resulting in several turnovers, while UW-Stout effectively cleared their zone to sustain offensive pressure.

In the third quarter, Roree Cowley gave the Mustangs a brief spark with a goal at 14:03. However, the Blue Devils quickly countered, with Erin Nolan scoring at 11:16, followed by Paige McConnell at 8:20. Savannah Wetterhahn further extended UW-Stout's lead with a goal assisted by Luci Fitzgerald at 4:42. Despite UW-Stout's multiple turnover opportunities, the Mustangs couldn't capitalize, struggling with clear attempts and defensive fouls.

UW-Stout closed out the game emphatically in the fourth quarter, netting six unanswered goals to cement their lead. Megan Palmer opened the scoring at 14:13, assisted by Vang, before Riley Schulte and Lillian Riggin found the net in quick succession. Briana Brenteson added another at 9:11, with Palmer assisting, and Tatum Kluender and Luci Fitzgerald each scored to finish the quarter. The Mustangs continued to struggle for momentum, managing only a few clears and turnovers.

Cowley ended with one goal on four shots, two of which were from free positions. Karstenson's solitary goal came from one of her two shots on target, while Flora Jimenez kept up the pressure with two shots, both on goal.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face UHSP on Friday, March 13, at 3 p.m. in St. Louis.