Morningside takes set, falls at Dordt

SIOUX CENTER, IOWA – Morningside headed to Sioux County with hopes of upsetting another ranked opponent appearing on its conference schedule.  Dordt, who had a four game losing streak in the weeks prior, was hoping to get back in the "W" column against a Morningside team that has shown that it has a lot of talent and can play with anyone, but has struggled to convert in a league with seven teams currently ranked by the NAIA.  The Defenders got the best of the Mustangs on this occasion, taking the victory 3-1, with scores 25-21, 25-22, 21-25, and 25-17.

The highlight of Morningside's match came in set three, when the Mustangs, down late and facing a quick trip home, rallied, not only holding Dordt's scoring in check, but taking the lead and the set in the process.

"We fought to come back in the third set.  The girls could have easily given up, but they fought and won.  It was a big big moment for the team, because in the past we would have given up," said head coach Jessica Squier, reflecting on the match.  

She added, "Kendall came in in set three and went on a great service run.  Our block was great and our defense pushed us forward in the set."

Kendall Evans, who helped anchor that late comeback from the service line, was one of four Mustangs to record a service ace in the match.  As has been the trend for Morningside this year, with aggressive serving, comes service errors.

"So much is new to this team.  As they continue to settle, things will become more consistent for them," reassured Squier.  

Morningside's defense recorded six points on the night via the block, led by Claire Wilson, with four block assists.  Meredith Hoffman had two block assists and a solo block, while Sydney Marlow recorded the remaining solo block.

Marlow led the action in the back row, with 13 digs, followed by Sabrina Creason with 12.  Payton Shoquist, the team leader on the season, had nine.

Creason earned 38 assists on the night, dishing the ball to team leaders Hoffman and Marlow for 12 kills each.  Wilson followed with 11, and Emerson Smith had nine.

The Mustangs are back in action on Saturday, traveling to Doane for a 1:30 p.m. JV match, with varsity to follow at approximately 3 p.m.