Terrific Ten - Morningside rallies past determined Dordt squad

SIOUX CENTER, IOWA – Overcoming a 14-point deficit midway through the third quarter, No. 11-ranked Morningside College added another "W" to an already impressive triumph train Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The Mustangs needed every bit of grit and determination they managed to muster up at Dordt University's DeWitt Gymnasium. A feisty Defenders' bunch, looking to bring the Maroon closer back to the pack on the Great Plains Athletic Conference standings, took off on a 10-2 stretch from the 6:45 to 4:02 marks of the third stanza to lead 56-42.

However, head coach Jamie Sale's squad, resilient as they have been throughout 2020-21, responded with 17 straight points to close the frame and was off the races. A three-pointer from senior guard Sierra Mitchell (SR/Pleasant Hill, Iowa) (Pleasant Hill, Iowa) gave the Mustangs a 59-56 advantage in the final six seconds that the visitors wouldn't relinquish. Mside, improving to 16-2 overall and 14-1 in the league, canned six of seven three-point attempts in the last 10 minutes to salt away an 82-73 decision, marking their 10^th consecutive win.

The familiar trio of Mitchell and junior forwards Sophia Peppers (JR/Exira, Iowa) (Exira, Iowa) and Taylor Rodenburgh (JR/Hawarden, Iowa) (Hawarden, Iowa) stepped to the forefront again. Mitchell compiled her eighth 20-point-plus effort of the year, tallying 27, which featured six threes and a perfect five-for-five outing at the charity stripe to go along with five steals. Peppers, despite struggling from the field shooting-wise, was only a rebound off a double-double (11 points, nine rebounds), and Rodenburgh's "super-sub" status grew in stature, as she posted 21 points, due in large part to a near spotless four-for-five night from outside the arc, to go with five rebounds and three steals. Senior guard Faith Meyer (SR/Pomeroy, Iowa) (Pomeroy, Iowa) continued to impress, too, with nine points, four rebounds, and three steals. In contrast, her twin sister, fellow senior guard Grace Meyer (SR/Pomeroy, Iowa) (Pomeroy, Iowa), dished out seven assists for a personal single-game best.

Morningside is scheduled to return home Saturday, Jan. 23. Midland University visits Allee Gymnasium and Rosen-Verdoorn Sports Center for a 2 p.m. contest.