Mustangs can't hold lead, fall to Kohawks

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Mount Mercy was in the driver's seat for most of the game, but Coe rallied from a 12-point deficit to defeat the Mustangs, 63-58, in this year's version of the intra-city women's basketball rivalry on Tuesday at Hennessey Recreation Center.

Opening baskets by junior guard Ashley Koch and senior forward Tonya Davis had Mount Mercy in front, 4-2, with 18:23 to go in the first half. The Mustangs didn't relinquish that lead until Kayla Waskow's bucket tied the game at 48-48 with 7:43 remaining in the contest.

Devvin Rolston gave the Kohawks their first lead on their next possession, and a pair of free throws by Leslie Ware put them in front for good with 4:40 left. Coe (2-0) earned its fourth straight win in the series. Mount Mercy's last victory over the Kohawks was a 55-49 home win on Dec. 9, 2006.

Junior guard Emily Greiner led the Mustangs (3-5) in scoring for the third straight game and fifth time this season, pouring in a game-high 19 points to go along with four steals. She was joined in double figures by junior guard Micha Mims, who had 10 points and four assists. Freshman forward Amanda Frost grabbed a game-high seven rebounds, leading Mount Mercy to a 41-29 advantage on the boards.

Kayla Lincoln topped the Kohawks with 14 points and six rebounds. Rolston finished with 13 points and six boards, while Sarah Anciaux had 11 points and three steals.

Mount Mercy hosts Purdue Calumet (Ind.) on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at Hennessey Rec Center.