Mustangs defeat Lancers in road win

YANKTON, S.D. – Morningside made a strong push early in this evening's sets, picking up the 3-0 non-conference win over Mount Marty on the road. 

After the Mustangs won set one 25-19, Mount Marty made a herculean comeback effort in set two, closing a nine point gap to force the set to be played to 26-24, with the eventual win going to Morningside. 

The Mustangs took control of set three opening a lead that they wouldn't surrender for the remainder of the set. Mount Marty staged a comeback, closing the gap to two points, but the determined Mustangs went on a 10-point run to all but finish the set. The Lancers put two more points on the board, capitalizing on Mustang errors, before Morningside forced Mount Marty to slip up to end the match, 25-14.

Morningside's defense was on a roll tonight, recording 10 total blocks. Kylah Brewer led the way with a solo block alongside four block assists. Nienke van Drunen matched Brewer's five blocks, with five block assists of her own. Gillian DePauw had four, while Sydney Marlow and Claire Wilson each had two. 

Aureana Bernales totaled 19 digs, leading the way beyond the block. Marlow followed with 17, with Wilson following at nine digs.

On the attack, it was again Marlow that led the way, with 14 kills. Lode followed with 11. Van Drunen and DePauw each hit .429 on the day. DePauw also recorded 38 assists in the match.

The Mustangs are back in action on Friday, playing their annual pink out game in support of cancer awareness against Jamestown University. The Morningside volleyball team has identified a pair of organizations that it is working to raise money for, the Little Al Foundation and CureSearch. Fans can learn more about either cause and make donations at littlealfoundation.com or give.curesearch.org/give/412622/#!/donation/checkout.