Mia, Cabalis, Richardson spark Mustang win

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy trio of Sammy Mia (SO/Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Chailey Cabalis (SR/Keaau, Hawaii), and Kyla Richardson (JR/Maywood, Ill.) combined for 45 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Mustangs to a 73-59 defeat of Graceland in Wednesday night's Heart of America Athletic Conference game at Hennessey Recreation Center.

The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for Mount Mercy and avenged a 67-61 loss at Graceland on Dec. 12 in Lamoni. The Mustangs improved to 2-7 overall and 2-6 in conference play while the Yellowjackets fell to 2-9 and 1-7 in the Heart after their third straight loss.

Mia buried four 3-pointers and led the Mustangs with 16 points. She also had two assists and a pair of steals. Cabalis added 15 points and eight rebounds, Richardson 14 points, six boards, and three assists. Sarah Moffett (SR/Mount Pleasant, Iowa) pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds, helping Mount Mercy to a 49-42 advantage on the glass. Cristian Patron (JR/North Ridge, Calif.) had three steals.

Brooke Vermeer was the lone Yellowjacket in double figures with 18 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Victoria Nauman tallied nine points, four assists, and four steals while Madilyn Sager grabbed 10 boards.

Mount Mercy hosts Evangel (5-4, 3-3 Heart) on Saturday at noon at Hennessey Rec Center.