After strong start, Mustangs fall at Grand View

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Mount Mercy jumped out to a one-set lead on Grand View, but the Vikings responded by taking the next three to defeat the Mustangs, 22-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, on Tuesday night at the Johnson Wellness Center.

Mount Mercy (0-1, 0-1 Heart) trailed, 15-8, in set number one before seven straight points made it 15-15. The Mustangs went on to take a 1-0 lead in the match before the Vikings (3-0, 1-0 Heart) took over. While Grand View dominated set three, Mount Mercy held a lead in sets two and four before dropping both.

Cassidy Boche (FR/Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and Maddie Bell (SR/Ely, Iowa), a first-team all-Heart of America performer last season, were Mount Mercy's offensive leaders. Boche drilled a team-high 15 kills and collected two blocks. Bell posted 12 kills with a .308 attack percentage and a team-best six blocks. Kayla Daggett (SR/Madison, Wis.) tallied 34 assists and three service aces. Gabi Delsing (SR/Coralville, Iowa) finished with 20 digs, Haley Stecklein (SR/Walford, Iowa) 13, and Mackenzie Murphy (SO/Iowa City, Iowa) and Boche nine apiece.

Grand View's Jenna Wagemaster also had 15 kills while Emily Box added 11. Macey Kleitsch had 19 assists. Defensively, Taylor Carey recorded six blocks, Miranda Greathouse posted 14 digs while Chevy Wagner-Chun and Rylie Olson finished with 12 digs each.

The Mustangs open a four-match homestand this weekend. They host Peru State on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and Graceland on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Hennessey Recreation Center.