The Basics
Score: Evangel 3, Mount Mercy 1
Records: Evangel (14-24); Mount Mercy (13-17)
Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Hennessey Rec Center
Box Score

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A solid defensive effort Thursday night helped the Evangel volleyball team to a 4-1 win at Mount Mercy in the first round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Crusaders jumped out to a 25-14 win in set one after hitting .357 as a team. However, both teams struggled offensively through the next three sets, but it was Evangel prevailing, 25-20, 26-28, 26-24 to advance. Evangel will head to Missouri Valley Saturday for a rematch of the regular season finale on Tuesday in which the Vikings won, 3-0.

Ayona Tharps and Hayley Leeper each tallied five blocks in the win as Evangel posted 17 as a team. Jorden Stacey led the way with 20 digs as Olivia Johnston added 15 digs.

Johnston finished with a double-double as she was one of three players to finish with 10 kills. Bridget Petersen and Tharps each joined her as Heather Gahm led the way offensively with 15 kills.

Maddie Bell was the only Mustang to finish with double-figure kills adding 11 for Mount Mercy.

UP NEXT
Evangel travels to Missouri Valley on Saturday evening for a Heart Quarterfinal matchup against the Vikings. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.

For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, follow the Crusaders on Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelAthletics or go to www.EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Go Evangel Front Row App at EvangelAthletics.com/FrontRow available on Google Play and in the App Store.

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