Mustangs lock down Clarke to get 4th win

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Since the beginning of this young season, Morningside head women's basketball coach Jamie Sale has been preaching defense.

On Tuesday night, the RV Mustangs (4-0) delivered one of their strongest defensive efforts in recent memory, forcing 24 turnovers — including 18 in the first half — in an 83-63 win over Clarke inside Allee Gym. Twelve of those came in the second quarter alone.

"We really played hard on defense tonight," Sale said. "Our team has been working hard on defense, and it showed. I think that's the best we've been in the last couple years defensively. They give good energy and they're smart. Our offensive execution just needs to be better."

The Mustangs turned those takeaways into 27 points off turnovers, setting the tone for a night defined by effort.

After briefly falling behind in the third quarter, Morningside closed the final four-plus minutes on a 16-7 run, with Clancy Brown leading the surge. The sophomore from North Platte, Nebraska, scored 12 of her team-high 22 points in that quarter, hitting three of four shots — including a three-pointer — and five free throws. It marked her season high and fourth straight double-figure game.

"I see one hard shot go in, and I just get in a groove," Brown said. "It's really big for me to make sure my team stays in it and I want to make those big shots."

Lily Vollertsen added a dominant 18-point, 16-rebound performance, pulling down 10 defensive boards and six on the offensive glass. Jaeden Webb also scored 12, draining a pair of threes.

Morningside opens GPAC play this Saturday with a road contest at Midland. The Mustangs aren't done with their non-conference schedule, as they'll play two games in West Palm Beach, Florida, next month.