Morningside sweeps Hawaii series

HILO, HAWAII – Morningside led all 40 minutes of its second contest in the Big Island Holiday Classic, defeating Valley City State University 73-66 in women's basketball action today. A late push from the Vikings nearly upset the Mustangs' hopes of a tournament sweep, but an enhanced effort on the boards kept Morningside in the driver's seat.

Converting VCSU's 23 turnovers into points was a key for the Mustangs in today's victory, as 23 Viking turnovers yielded 32 points for Morningside. The Mustangs also had 30 points in the paint and 18 fastbreak points in the contest. 

For the second day in a row, Sophia Peppers led Morningside's scoring, with 16 points. Peppers' game-leading total was followed by Chaise Pfanstiel, who hit 14. McKenna Sims followed with nine, Alexis Spier with eight points, and Abbe Morten with seven.

Chloe Lofstrom led the all players in rebounding with nine boards in the contest, which included three offensive grabs. Peppers and Olivia Larsen followed with six each, and Spier and Lily Vollertsen each had four. 

Morningside, now 7-5 on the season, is back in action on Friday, December 30 at 6 p.m., when the Mustangs welcome Dakota State's Trojans to Allee Gym.