Metro Sports Report

Campbell helps Mustangs split

Dylan Campbell pitched six strong innings Saturday to help Mount Mercy split a Heart of America Conference doubleheader against Culver-Stockton at the Plaster Athletic Complex.

Mount Mercy took the nightcap, 5-3, with Campbell allowing only one unearned run on five hits in his impressive outing. He struck out four batters and did not walk anyone.

Culver-Stockton edged the Mustangs in the first game, 4-3.

The doubleheader was originally scheduled at Culver-Stockton, but the games were switched to Mount Mercy to take advantage of the artificial turf at the Plaster Complex. The Mustangs were the visiting team in both games on their home field.

The split left Mount Mercy at 7-11 overall and 4-6 in the conference. Culver-Stockton is 5-12 overall and 1-3 in the league.

Vander Poel shines for Mustangs

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Kathryn Vander Poel of Mount Mercy enjoyed a successful day at the Rhodes College Invitational track meet in Memphis Saturday.

Vander Poel finished second in the 800 meter run in 2 minutes, 18.1 seconds and placed third in the mile in 5:15.51.

Andrea Ertz of Mount Mercy placed fifth in the mile in 5:17.33, less than two seconds behind Vander Poel as the Mustangs made a strong showing in the event.

Usher helps Eagles split in Florida

AUBURNDALE, Fla. - Levi Usher had a big day for the Kirkwood Eagles Friday as they split a doubleheader with Oakton Community College on their spring trip to Florida.

Oakton won the first game, 9-8. Kirkwood rebounded with a 7-1 victory in the nightcap, leaving the Eagles with a 3-6 record.

Usher, a freshman right fielder from Cedar Rapids Prairie, went 4-for-7 in the twinbill  with three runs, five RBIs, a double, a home run, three stolen bases and a walk.

Usher went 2-for-3 in the 9-8 loss in the opener with a double, home run and three RBIs. Taylor Jackson was 2-for-4 with a solo home run. Corey Graham had two hits and Jamarion Loston scored twice. Joel Vaske hit a solo home run.

The opener was tied, 8-8, headed into the bottom of the seventh. Oakton scored with two outs for the victory.

Mustangs jump into tie for first place

CANTON, Mo. - The Mount Mercy men's volleyball team climbed into a tie  for first place in the Heart of America Conference standings Thursday  night by sweeping Culver-Stockton, 3-0.

The set scores were 26-24, 25-18, 25-15 as the Mustangs widened their  margin in each set.

The 10th-ranked Mustangs and fourth-ranked Grand View Vikings are tied  for the top with 8-1 conference records with one match left in the  league season for both teams. Mount Mercy will finish the Heart  campaign at Clarke University on March 26.