DES MOINES, IOWA – Grand View Women's Basketball delivered a commanding performance against Mount Mercy University on Wednesday night, securing an 87-43. The Vikings dominated offensively, shooting 50% (7-for-14) from beyond the arc in the first half to build a significant lead before the break. Defensively, Grand View stifled the Mustangs, holding them to fewer than ten points in both the second and third quarters.
Ella Larsen was the standout performer of the night, connecting on 62.5% (5-for-7) of her three-point attempts, finishing with 26 points and 7 rebounds to lead the Vikings' charge.
Eva Solseth delivered the first points of the game with a quick layup, followed by a steal from
Ellie Rengstorf which she converted to two free throws. Mount Mercy kept pace early on, but Grand View's shooting, highlighted by Larsen, quickly extended their lead. Larsen was on fire from deep in the first quarter, going 3-for-4 from three-point range, on top of adding a successful and-one.
Cleao Murray also contributed offensively with two tough layups in traffic, and
Anna Gossling added a three-pointer off a steal from Larsen, sparking the home crowd. Despite some momentum-shifting three-pointers from the Mustangs, Grand View built a 27-16 lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second, Gossling and Rengstorf both delivered layups early, followed by another three-pointer from Gossling, assisted by
Reagan Mudderman. The Vikings, however, went nearly six minutes without scoring, but fortunately, the Mustangs struggled just as much, only managing five points during the stretch. Mudderman then hit a critical three-pointer, assisted by Gossling, to stop the drought, and Larsen followed with another layup. Gossling capped the first half with another three-pointer, this one off a feed from Rengstorf. At halftime, Larsen led all scorers with 16 points, followed by Gossling with 12. As a team, Grand View shot 50% (7-for-14) from three-point range in the first half.
After the break, the Vikings wasted no time extending their lead. Murray found Larsen cutting to the basket for a layup to start the third quarter scoring. Grand View's defense was suffocating, holding the Mustangs to just four points in the third. Larsen added two more three-pointers, and Gossling,
Abigail Jones, and Murray each added one of their own. Rengstorf also chipped in with a layup, while Larsen hit a mid-range jumper, and Murray scored another fast-break layup. A charge drawn by Larsen during the quarter further ignited the crowd, helping the Vikings close the quarter with a dominant 67-29 lead.
In the final period, the Vikings maintained their commanding advantage. Murray continued to pressure the Mustangs' defense, scoring two and-one layups early in the quarter. Mount Mercy was unable to mount a significant comeback, and Grand View cruised to the 87-43 victory. Mudderman added two more three-pointers, with assists from Murray and
Kennedy Van Vark. Fields finished the scoring with a fast break layup off a push pass from Mudderman as they closed out the night with 44 point domination.
GAME NOTES
- Ella Larsen led all scorers with 26 points, shooting 5-for-8 from three-point range, while adding 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 assists.
- Cleao Murray contributed 18 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal.
- Anna Gossling chipped in 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal.
- Reagan Mudderman was perfect from beyond the arc, going 3-for-3, and finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
- Abigail Jones grabbed an impressive 7 rebounds in just 15 minutes of play.
- The Vikings shot 46.9% (30-64) from the field, 41.2% (14-34) from three-point range, and 86.7% (13-15) from the free-throw line.
UP NEXT
Grand View returns to Sisam Arena on Saturday, February 1st, to host the Wildcats of Baker University at 2:00 p.m.
