Mustangs Hold Off Late Rally to Defeat Pirates

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy's women's basketball team defeated Park University 62-54 at Hennessey Rec Center in a Heart of America Conference matchup Saturday afternoon. 

Mount Mercy started strong, establishing an early lead with effective scoring in the paint. Sydni Morris contributed significantly with a key jumper at 7:34, giving the Mustangs a 4-point advantage. Despite the Pirates' efforts to stay in the game, highlighted by free throw conversions, Mount Mercy maintained their momentum.

Candace Baker's three-pointer tied the game at 4:22, supported by Aubrey Luvan's assist. As the quarter progressed, the Mustangs capitalized on turnovers and defensive rebounds. Morris scored again with a layup at 0:55, and Sadie Struchen added a jumper to close the quarter. Mount Mercy ended the first quarter ahead, leading 16–13.

Mount Mercy started the second quarter by building on their lead, with Jocelyn Ramos-Chears contributing defensively with a block and Morris securing the rebound. The team capitalized on the Pirates' turnovers, with Struchen's steal leading to Taylor Wells hitting two free throws. The Mustangs extended their advantage with a three-pointer from Sam Kiel at 6:19, assisted by Luvan, pushing their lead to double digits.

As the quarter progressed, Mount Mercy continued to apply pressure. Luvan's three-pointer at 2:33, assisted by Isabel Wallschlaeger, gave the Mustangs their largest lead of 14 points. Despite the Pirates' attempts to close the gap, Mount Mercy's defense remained solid, allowing Park only one field goal in the quarter. The quarter ended with Mount Mercy leading 33–19, heading into the break with a strong advantage.

Mount Mercy entered the third quarter with a 14-point lead but faced increased pressure from the Pirates, resulting in multiple turnovers. Despite these challenges, Wallschlaeger and Kiel connected for a crucial 3-pointer at the 6:38 mark, extending the Mustangs' lead to 12 points. However, the Pirates responded with a scoring push, narrowing the gap with effective free-throw shooting and points in the paint.

Mount Mercy managed to maintain a slight edge with a key layup by Morris, assisted by Luvan at 1:56, bringing the score to 41-34. Despite the Mustangs' defensive efforts, Park executed a late scoring run, closing the quarter with a 10–2 stretch, including a pivotal layup with 31 seconds left, reducing Mount Mercy's lead to a single point. The third quarter concluded with Mount Mercy leading 41-40.

Mount Mercy started the fourth quarter strong with Wallschlaeger's defensive rebound leading to a Wells jumper, quickly pushing the home team ahead. Despite a turnover by Struchen, Wallschlaeger regained possession with a steal, maintaining the Mustangs' momentum. Taylor Rose's successful layup further extended the lead, with the score at 47-42. Mount Mercy's defense continued to apply pressure, with Kiel contributing a steal that resulted in another layup by Rose.

Rose later added a 3-pointer, assisted by Baker, to keep the scoring pace. By mid-quarter, the Mustangs led 56-48, maintaining a stronghold in the paint. In the closing minutes, Luvan and Rose each made critical 3-pointers, boosting Mount Mercy's lead to double digits. The quarter concluded with Mount Mercy securing a 62-54 victory, highlighted by a strong team effort on both ends of the court.

Luvan scored 14 points, converting four 3-pointers and adding three assists. Morris tallied 15 points, going 7-for-10 from the field, and collected eight rebounds while recording four blocks. Rose finished with 11 points and contributed three blocks, adding seven rebounds. Wallschlaeger recorded six rebounds and contributed five assists along with three steals.

Nevaeh Spillman led the Pirates with 15 points and eight rebounds, converting 9 of 12 free throws and adding three steals. Marina Perdiguero contributed 16 points and secured a team-high nine rebounds, while also making 8 of 11 free throws. Nadiyah Cooper added 11 points, collected four rebounds, and recorded three steals. Charleece Davis chipped in with four points and two steals, despite a challenging shooting night.

Mount Mercy is now 8-8 overall and 4-5 in conference play. Park holds a 7-8 overall record with a 2-6 mark in conference competition.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will travel to Marshall, Missouri, to face Missouri Valley on Saturday, Jan. 17. The game will tip off at 12 p.m.