Mustangs lose first game of season in conference play

MITCHELL, S.D. — Cold shooting doomed the Morningside women's basketball team Wednesday night in a 94-53 loss to Dakota Wesleyan at the Corn Palace.

The Mustangs (5-1, 1-1 GPAC) shot just 29 percent from the field. Dakota Wesleyan outscored Morningside 46-25 in the second half.

Clancy Brown led the Mustangs with 15 points on 6-of-15 shooting and added five rebounds. Tonja Heirigs finished with 11 points and three steals, and Lily Vollertsen added six points and four rebounds. Sam Ehlers chipped in six points and five boards, while Ali Albrecht and Jordyn Carr each scored four. The Mustangs' bench contributed 21 points, highlighted by Albrecht's efficiency and Ehlers' inside presence.

Dakota Wesleyan opened the game on a 10-0 run and never trailed. Morningside battled back within single digits late in the first quarter before the hosts stretched the margin beyond reach in the second half.

The Mustangs return home Saturday to host Mount Marty at 2 p.m. inside Allee Gymnasium.