Morningside aims for balance, intensity in 2025-26 season
During the team’s preseason scrimmage, the longtime Mustangs coach saw encouraging signs — 14 made 3-pointers and a stronger defensive edge. If those two keys hold true, Sale believes Morningside will be a tougher out in the Great Plains Athletic Conference this winter, and have garnered national attention by receiving votes in the national preseason poll.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Morningside women's basketball coach Jamie Sale hopes this year's squad can finally find the balance he's been seeking over the past couple seasons.
During the team's preseason scrimmage, the longtime Mustangs coach saw encouraging signs — 14 made 3-pointers and a stronger defensive edge. If those two keys hold true, Sale believes Morningside will be a tougher out in the Great Plains Athletic Conference this winter, and have garnered national attention by receiving votes in the national preseason poll.
"I can just sense more intensity, and they really seem enthusiastic and focused," Sale said. "We have to be able to maintain that. I've been really happy with our returners' efforts, and I think we can show some real improvement."
Last season, the Mustangs won 13 games, including a thrilling two-point victory over then-No. 5 Briar Cliff to close out the regular season. Morningside finished 11-11 in GPAC play and was picked fifth in this year's preseason poll.
Senior forward Lily Vollertsen, the team's leading scorer at 15.3 points per game, returns to anchor the lineup. While most of her points came in the paint last season, Sale expects Vollertsen to extend her range after hitting 15 three-pointers a year ago.
"We're allowing her to do more than she has before," Sale said. "She's playing a lot more free. She's one of the best post players in the conference, so we're going to need her to be that way."
Other key returners include Sam Ehlers, the team's No. 3 scorer at 7.1 points per game, and Jordyn Carr, who dished out a team-high 98 assists last season. Jaeden Webb is also poised for a bigger role after recording 37 assists in 2024-25.
"She's just been more aggressive," Sale said of Webb. "She's more vocal now and taking ownership."
Sale hopes that renewed energy translates to the defensive end.
"I think we're going to run into fewer teams wanting to attack us the other way, because we're attacking them so hard they'll be worried about getting back," he said. "We want to attack on defense — to make people uncomfortable."
The Mustangs open the season with four home games in November and will once again close the regular season against Briar Cliff inside Allee Gymnasium on Feb. 21, 2026.