The second-seeded Viking women's basketball team put together a stellar shooting performance as they sailed to a 78-52 win over No. 7 seed Clarke in the opening round of the MCC Tournament tonight in Des Moines. Grand View shot 61.5% from the field as they advanced themselves to the semifinal round of the tournament on Saturday.

Freshman Jennifer Jorgensen (Dayton, Iowa) helped set the tone of the game with a fearless first half performance. Jorgensen scored 10 points in the first half and recorded three assists, three blocks, and three steals, along with a couple boards in the half.

Freshman sixth man Amy Vos (Newton, Iowa) scored 11 points in the first half on 5-of-7 shooting as Grand View built a 22-point first half lead. Back-to-back three-pointers pulled the Crusaders to within 16 points, but the Vikings kept their composure to close out the half strong and led 41-22 at the break.

All GV players saw substantial action in the second half. Jorgensen scored another 10 points in just seven minutes of play and was perfect from the field including two treys. Freshman Jordyn Thompson (Newton, Iowa) was impressive off the bench, hitting two three-pointers in three attempts to finish with six points.

In addition to Jorgensen's and Vos' 20 and 10 respective points, Danielle Ballard (Boone, Iowa) added 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Junior Beth Ehlers (Sioux Rapids, Iowa) added seven points and three players, Brittany Peterson (Spencer, Iowa), Micah Reed (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), and Jamie Sickles (Readlyn, Iowa), led the team with four assists apiece.

Grand View's 61.5% field goal and 50% (5-of-10) three-point percentage were season-highs. The Vikings shot 75% (9-of-12) from the free throw line. The Viking defense held Clarke to 35.% from the field and outrebounded the Crusaders 29-21.

Grand View improves to 24-7 and will host No. 3 seed Mount Mercy on Saturday at 2 p.m.