Weekend road trip ends on short side

YANKTON, S.D. – The Mount Marty women were looking to even the season series and avenge a 26 point loss when Morningside came to town on Saturday, February 2nd. The Lancers managed to pull off the upset in a game that went back and forth from the initial tip until the final buzzer, edging the Mustangs, 62-57, in the visitors' final regular season trip to South Dakota.

Morningside built an 11-10 lead as the two teams headed back to their benches at the quarter mark. Mount Marty didn't go away, though, tying the game at 29 in time for the break at the half.

This remained the pattern of the second half until the Lancers stretched out to a 9 point lead with just over eight minutes to play in the fourth quarter. The Mustangs would whittle the lead down to as few as three with just under four minutes to play before Mount Marty hit a three to keep things out of reach for Morningside.

The Mustangs were led in scoring by Sydney Hupp (JR/O'Neill, NE) with 17 points. Sierra Mitchell (SO/Pleasant Hill, IA) had nine after being held quiet in the first half. Jordyn Moser (JR/Harlan, IA) tallied eight, as did Tayte Hansen (SO/York, NE) after coming off the bench.

Hupp also led Morningside in the rebounds column, with six. Mitchell and Faith Meyer (SO/Pomeroy, IA ) each had five.

The Mustangs shot 31% as a team, hitting 21 of 67 field goals, and made 9 of 14 free throws. Morningside had 33 rebounds, 10 assists, and 8 steals while only turning the ball over 12 times.

Morningside is now 18-8 on the season and 10-8 in the GPAC heading into its final regular season homestand featuring No. 1 in the nation Concordia and crosstown rival Briar Cliff. The Bulldogs visit on Wednesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m., with the Chargers making the trip on Saturday, February 9 at 2:00 p.m.