Mustangs celebrate Senior Night with sweep

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Senior Night couldn't have gone much better for the Morningside women's volleyball team on Saturday.

The Mustangs swept Hastings in Allee Gymnasium by set scores of 25-21, 25-19 and 25-19. The victory came after head coach Jessica Squier and the team recognized seniors Kendyl LaShay, Payten Lode, Madi Aldrich and Adelyn Harris.

All three seniors who played — Aldrich, Harris and Lode — recorded at least one kill. Lode co-led the Mustangs with 11 kills alongside Victoria Bouska, while LaShay has served as a student assistant coach.

"I enjoyed the fact all three seniors got kills," Squier said. "They've been the epitome of 'put your head down and put in the work.' For them to come through and become the leaders they are has been fantastic. I've appreciated their efforts on and off the court, and they've created an environment our entire team can be proud of."

Emma Haren added 10 kills, and Kyla Dyrstad handed out 33 assists. Lode (17), Aubrey Sandbothe (15) and Dyrstad (11) all reached double figures in digs, as the Mustangs hit .231 overall. Bouska also led Morningside with three total blocks.

Morningside jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the third set, sparked by two service aces from Quinn Groves and a pair of Haren kills.

"I think that's a big win on Senior Night," Squier said. "We had a tough loss Wednesday against Dakota Wesleyan, and for us to bounce back like that is a pretty big deal."

Morningside now travels across town to face Briar Cliff Wedneday night at Newman Flanagan Center at 7:30 p.m.