Late lead escapes Mustangs

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Mustangs were hoping to pull off a split of the season series against Dakota Wesleyan in women's basketball action tonight, as the Tigers handily beat Morningside at home back in December. While DWU came out on top again, 68-65, the Mustangs could hold their heads high, improving dramatically on the season's earlier result in the hostile environment that is the World's Only Corn Palace.

Morningside was able to hold Dakota Wesleyan down until the fourth quarter, when the Mustangs' shots stopped falling. The Tigers finally took their first lead of the game with just over a minute left in the contest.

Morningside continued to spread its scoring efforts around in tonight's contest, with McKenna Sims and Sophia Peppers each netting 14 points. Chloe Lofstrom followed with 12, Alexis Spier had nine, and Olivia Larsen and Lily Vollertsen each had eight points. 

Lofstrom and Peppers each had six rebounds, Spier had five, Vollertsen grabbed three, Aspen Jansa, Ella Wragge, Sims, and Larsen each had two boards, and Lauren Hedlund had one.

Peppers had three steals in the contest. Sims and Spier each had five assists, Lofstrom had three and Chaise Pfansitel had two.

The Mustangs conclude the regular season on Saturday, hosting Midland University for senior day. The contest is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip.