Midland Falls at Morningside in GPAC Road Contest

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Midland University returned to action Saturday afternoon, continuing Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play against Morningside. The Warriors fell to the Mustangs, 97-40.

Morningside opened the game on a 6-0 run before a 3-pointer by Jenna Weber put Midland on the board. The Mustangs responded with a layup from Lily Vollertsen to regain control before the two teams traded baskets. An 18-0 run stretched Morningside's lead to 29-7 with 2:15 remaining in the opening quarter. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Allie Hakimzadeh and Mya Lempp stopped the Warriors' scoring drought and cut the deficit to 16. Midland continued to battle with a free throw and a jumper, but the Mustangs led 29-16 heading into the second quarter.

The teams traded baskets early in the second quarter before Midland's offense stalled. A 10-0 run pushed Morningside's lead to 44-18, as the Mustangs held the Warriors scoreless for more than five minutes. A 3-point play by Ciera Jorge cut the deficit to 23 with 3:35 left in the first half. Morningside answered with a 7-0 run to close the quarter and carried a 51-21 lead into halftime.

Following the intermission, back-to-back layups from Vollertsen pushed the Mustangs' lead to 55-21. The two teams traded baskets once again, but Morningside maintained control. Midland's offense stalled while the Mustangs continued to build momentum. A quick 6-0 run extended Morningside's lead to 42 with 3:30 remaining in the third quarter. The Warriors responded with free throws from Weber and Ellie Bovaird, but the Mustangs outscored Midland 10-4 to close the period.

The teams traded baskets to open the fourth quarter before a 7-0 run extended Morningside's lead to 87-33 with six minutes remaining. A layup by Carla Cencerrero Gallego cut the deficit to 52 before Morningside closed the game on a 10-5 run to secure the victory.

Weber led the Warriors with 18 points.

Midland shot 13 of 55 (23.6%), while Morningside finished 37 of 72 (51.4%). The Mustangs outrebounded the Warriors 50-38.

Midland (3-19, 2-14 GPAC) returns to action Wednesday on the road against Hastings (16-7, 12-5 GPAC). Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. at Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings, Nebraska.