Mustangs Fall to Benedictine in Final Home Game of the Season
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy fell to Benedictine 30–1 on Monday at Hadzic Field. The Mustangs managed to score once in the fourth quarter, while Benedictine remained undefeated.
Mount Mercy faced a challenging first quarter against Benedictine, as the visiting team dominated from the outset. Mackenna Hill opened the scoring just 18 seconds into the quarter, setting the tone for Benedictine's offensive barrage. They quickly extended their lead to 4–0 by the 13:09 mark, with goals from Maylen Smith, Lile Chekas, and Ava Moore. Benedictine maintained control, capitalizing on draw controls and caused turnovers to score seven additional goals, including a player-down goal by Kaylen Moore at 54 seconds left in the quarter. Despite several saves by Lauren O'Toole, the Mustangs trailed 11–0 by the end of the first quarter.
Benedictine continued their dominance in the second quarter, scoring nine unanswered goals to extend its lead. Kiera Russell opened the scoring just 18 seconds in, assisted by Kaylen Moore, who also contributed a goal later in the quarter. Sam Hall and Alexa Hildenbrand each added to the tally, with Hall's goal at 11:21 assisted by Ava Moore. Izzie Venarsky continued the offensive onslaught with a goal at 8:14. Addy Horn found the net twice, including a goal at 5:58, while Karlie Schalk wrapped up the quarter's scoring at 3:20. The Mustangs were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, struggling with caused turnovers and a failed clear attempt.
Benedictine dominated the third quarter, scoring seven unanswered goals against Mount Mercy. Bronwyn Segal opened the scoring at 14:13, assisted by Hill. Hill continued the offensive momentum with a goal at 12:14. Vera Plunkett, Victoria Majdan, and Smith each added to the tally, with Majdan and Smith's goals both assisted by Kaylen Moore. Ainsley Willingham scored at 1:02, followed by Moore securing the final goal of the quarter with just 13 seconds remaining. Benedictine maintained control throughout, evidenced by their successful draw controls and ground ball pickups, while Mount Mercy struggled to find the net.
Benedictine opened the fourth quarter with a strong performance, as Russell scored a goal at 13:20, assisted by Hill. Despite a goal from the Mustangs' Shaine Grinde on a free position shot at 11:05, Benedictine maintained control. Elizabeth Gerrits extended Benedictine's lead with a goal at 2:36, again assisted by Hill. Molly Owen added another goal for Benedictine at 1:28, assisted by Emme Bailey, securing a decisive 30–1 victory over Mount Mercy.
Grinde scored one goal on two shots, both on target, and converted a free-position shot for the Mustangs. O'Toole made eight saves on 42 shots faced, providing key stops despite a challenging game. Emma Knackmuhs contributed with defensive efforts, though not reflected in scoring statistics, while Flora Jimenez started and played a steady role in the lineup.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs face Missouri Baptist on Thursday, April 23, at 4 p.m. in St. Louis, Missouri.