Photo by Jonah Gleason, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – 34 points from the bench and 20 points off of turnovers didn't amount to enough for a Morningside victory over the no. 6 Concordia Bulldogs in women's basketball action tonight as the Mustangs wound up on the short side of a 79-67 loss in Allee Gymnasium.

Morningside looked as if it might have been able to upset a national top-10 team at the conclusion of the first quarter, as the Mustangs held a 23-17 lead courtesy of eight rebounds, a 57-percent shooting percentage, and a 4-5 turnover advantage, but a cold-shooting second quarter proved costly as Concordia pulled away.

The Mustangs would outscore their opponents 24-18 in the final quarter of the game, but were unable to overcome the deficit.

Lily Vollertsen posted a game-high 16 points, co-leading all scorers with the Bulldogs Sadie Powell. Alexis Spier was next for Morningside with a 3-of-6 from three point land and 4-of-12 overall effort for 14 points, and Ella Wragge worked hard in the paint and was perfect at the free throw line for 12 points.

Wragge led all rebounders, grabbing 10 missed shots, while Sam Ehlers had eight for the Mustangs. Vollertsen followed with four and Oliva Larsen corralled two caroms.

The trio of Larsen, Spier, and Jeden Webb upset Concordia's offense for three, two, and two steals, respectively, while Vollertsen swatted the Mustangs' lone block.

Morningside will hope for a good showing at Mount Marty on Saturday, looking for a crucial Great Plains Athletic Conference win at 2 p.m.