by OMAHA, Neb. – Tyler Sumpter (SR/Nixon, Nev.) saved her best day in a Flames uniform for her last day in a Flames uniform. The College of Saint Mary senior canned a career-high 27 points in CSM’s 88-65 loss to Morningside College Saturday.
It was Senior Day for Sumpter, Miranda Acuna(SR/San Antonio, Texas), Lacey Knudsen(SR/Fairplay, Colo.) and dance team student-athlete Claire Gasparovich. All four were recognized before the game.
“We are going to miss these seniors and the contributions they made to CSM,” CSM Coach Jesse Flanagan said.
The Flames came out flat Saturday afternoon against the Mustangs, who were ranked No. 15 in the country in the most recent NAIA poll.
“I thought we came out slow and unsure of ourselves,” Flanagan said. “Morningside definitely moves the ball well and gets up the floor quickly. We had shots – and they were open shots – but we missed a lot of those. We need to hit those.”
The Mustangs outscored CSM 23-14 in the opening quarter and 21-11 in the second frame to lead 44-25 at the intermission. The Flames shot better in the second half and were only outscored 21-19 in the third and 23-21 in the fourth.
Sumpter’s 27 points was a game-high. Knudsen added nine points for the Flames, while teammates Ashley Nelson (JR/LaVista, Neb.), Corryne Millett (JR/Minden, Nev.) and Acuna each sank eight. Nelson had a team-high seven rebounds.
“I thought Tyler played well and was active on both sides of the court,” Flanagan said. “And I thought Ashley really had a good game and continues to hustle out there.”
Sierra Mitchell led Morningside with 26 points, while Madison Braun added 17.
Morningside improves to 13-7 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference and 20-10 overall, while CSM ends the season with a 2-18 mark in the GPAC and a 5-25 overall record.
