WPU Defeated by Mount Mercy in Home Matchup

Oskaloosa--The Statesmen women's basketball team unfortunately struggled from the opening tip as it fell 87-56 to Mount Mercy in Heart of America Athletic Conference play Thursday.

William Penn (3-14, 2-11 Heart) was outshot 49.3%-34.3% and lost the rebounding battle 41-37.

The navy and gold matched MMU (9-7, 7-6 Heart) with a basket apiece in the opening minute, but the Mustangs then pulled away with nine unanswered points and never looked back.

The Statesmen trailed 28-11 after the first quarter, but played much better in the second quarter as they were outscored just 24-22.  A rough third stanza put the game away, while WPU held a 16-15 edge in the final 10 minutes on the hardwood.

Despite being outrebounded, William Penn actually held a 7-4 advantage in second-chance points.  Unfortunately, the hosts could not make up for their shooting woes and the fact that they committed 16 turnovers (nine for Mount Mercy).  The mistakes led to a 20-8 margin in points off turnovers in favor of the Mustangs.

Ally Stewart (Sr., Victoria, Australia, Sports Management) guided her squad with 18 points on 7-for-16 shooting.  Mercer Roberts (Sr., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Wellness and Recreation) notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Aysia Arrowood (Jr., Wichita, Kan., Sports Management) also hit double figures with 10 points.

Aiesha Feagins (Jr., Grand Prairie, Texas, Applied Mathematics) contributed eight points, while Alyssa Hames (Jr., Ackley, Iowa, Psychology) pulled down 11 rebounds in addition to four points.

Stewart dished out four assists in the setback.

"I am proud of our effort and competitiveness tonight," Head Coach Joe McKinstry said.  "It was evident at all times that our ladies were working hard and giving it their all.  Unfortunately, we made some defensive mistakes early and Mount Mercy is too good of a team and made us pay."

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Thursday to host Park in Heart action at 2 p.m.