33-point second quarter propels Mustangs over Flames

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Jamie Sale didn't hide how good Saturday's result felt.

The Morningside women's basketball team snapped a four-game skid with an 88-58 win over College of Saint Mary, pulling away early and never looking back.

Morningside (11-8, 6-7 GPAC) began to create separation in the second quarter and built its largest lead of 36 points in the fourth.

"You could just see how much we've been struggling," said Sale, the Mustangs' longtime head coach, on the KMNS-AM postgame show. "We needed a game where we could hit some shots and feel good about ourselves. Sometimes the hardest thing is getting your confidence back, and hopefully this win boosts it."

After a tightly contested opening quarter, the Mustangs took control with a 21-5 run in the second, fueled by defensive pressure and consistent interior scoring. During the run, Morningside forced six turnovers, scored 14 points in the paint, and knocked down a 3-pointer.

By halftime, the Mustangs had built a 49-21 lead, scoring 33 points in the second quarter alone. Morningside shot efficiently during the period, making 14 field goals and four free throws, while holding College of Saint Mary to 3-for-11 shooting and forcing 10 turnovers.

Following a quieter third quarter, Morningside closed strong with a 24-point fourth, as nine different Mustangs found the scoring column. Jaeden Webb led the way with five points in the final period, while Ali Albrecht and Bailey Klote each knocked down 3-pointers. The Mustangs also forced 10 turnovers in the fourth quarter.

"It was nice to reward some players who show up to practice every day and work hard," Sale said. "I thought we added pressure, defended well in the half court, and kept them out of rhythm. When we were playing well, we jumped to the ball and wore them down."

Morningside finished 34-for-80 from the field, hit six 3-pointers, and went 14-for-15 at the free-throw line. The Mustangs dominated inside with 50 points in the paint and outrebounded the Flames 48-32, including 20 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points.

Webb led Morningside with 14 points, while Dani Peterson and Lily Vollertsen added 12 apiece. Jaelyn Marienau scored nine off the bench, and Albrecht finished with eight.

Clancy Brown grabbed a team-high nine rebounds, including three offensive, while Peterson added seven rebounds with three on the offensive end. Webb recorded four steals, and Jordyn Carr, Parker Christiansen, and Kinsey Hall each finished with three.

Morningside remains home Wednesday for a 6 p.m. GPAC matchup against Dakota Wesleyan.