Five double-digit scorers guide Mustangs to GPAC win

FREMONT, NEB. – Morningside notched its 10th win in women's basketball action today, as the Mustangs bested the Warriors on the road 73-51. Morningside, now 10-6 overall, also climbed back to .500 in Great Plains Athletic Conference play, moving up to no. 6 in the league at the conclusion of the day's games.

The Mustangs led until the final horn for the second time this week, repeating the complete-game effort they displayed against College of Saint Mary earlier this week as Alexis Spier continued to hit shots, opening with a three and going 4-for-8 in the contest. Spier would hit double-digits, but was one of five Morningsiders hitting the mark.

McKenna Sims was the leader among Morningside's ranks, scoring 13 in 22 minutes of play and leading all scorers in the contest. Sophia Peppers followed with 12, with Chaise Pfanstiel reaching 11 and Spier and Chloe Lofstrom each recording 10 points. Olivia Larsen, the remaining starter, just missed double-digits with nine points. 

Spier and Chaise Pfanstiel's five assists each and Larsen's three were crucial to Morningside's spread scoring.

Morningside's 46-to-32 percent field goal advantage was the difference in the game, but a 19-to-23 turnover and 27-to-13 points off turnovers advantage gave the Mustangs a cushion throughout the contest, serving as an indicator that the work on defense ahead of and throughout the season has been paying off. Spier had eight steals as part of the defensive effort, with Larsen coming second among all players with another five.

Sophia Peppers led Morningside's rebounding efforts, pulling down eight boards. Spier was next in line for the Mustangs with four and Lofstrom and Lily Vollertsen each had three.

Morningside is back on the road on Wednesday, traveling to Hastings College for a 6 p.m. tip. They'll return to Allee Gym on Jan. 14, facing Doane at 2 p.m.