Strong showing headlines Mustang season opener

HUTCHINSON, KAN. – Women's Volleyball took the honor of being the first program to record a varsity win under the Morningside University moniker, picking up a pair of 3-0 wins over Friends University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University, both representing the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference in the annual KCAC Fall Fling volleyball tournament.

"Today's matches got us started in the right direction," said head coach Jessica Squier regarding the start of her second season as the Mustangs' skipper.  "We worked this line up up once in practice and the girls responded well to it today.  This team is very versatile, and we plan on using that to the best of our ability."

The Mustangs' season opener against Friends saw Morningside debut some new faces, with six new Mustangs getting their first game reps in the 25-16, 25-21, 25-15 win today.  

"We have a go-getter mentality.  It's been enjoyable working with this team so far because they're willing to jump in and do whatever" said Squier.

The Mustangs recorded 35 kills in the opener, led by Meredith Hoffman and Claire Wilson, each with eight kills.  Hoffman hit a .636 kill percentage to lead the attack.  Wilson hit at a .467 percentage.  Both had only one error apiece.

Hoffman led the defensive front, too, tallying five blocks.

Morningside recorded 11 service aces in the three-set victory, topped by five for Sabrina Creason.

Beyond the net, Payton Shoquist, sporting the off-colored libero jersey, had 12 digs in the match, with Sydney Marlow digging up 11.

The Mustangs saw a closer afternoon match, coming from behind in the first set with Oklahoma Wesleyan before claiming victory 25-19, 25-22, and 25-21.

Marlow took top honors in the second match for the day, recording 10 kills, with Wilson behind with seven more.  Ryley Rolls was hot on her heels, recording six kills of her own.  Another eight service aces, with five for Marlow, kept the Eagles from getting too comfortable in serve receive.

Shoquist recorded another 13 digs, with Marlow showing her versatility in the no. 8 jersey as she recorded seven digs and one block assist.  Wilson led the defensive efforts at the net, recording four block assists.

"Having the opportunity to get kills from more than a few attackers is so important.  This team is very versatile," said Squier, echoing her earlier analysis.

While Morningside got away with a clean sweep of the scoreboard, the day wasn't without challenges, having fallen behind in set two against Friends and early against OKWU.  Both situations resulting in timeouts being called for from the bench before getting back on track.

"Our players allowed themselves a check in moment, and kick it into gear, which is exactly what the timeout is for," explained Squier, recalling each situation.  "It means that they've bought in culturally, and are trusting the coaching staff and their teammates.  It's very awesome to see."

"Building our culture has been at the forefront of everything we have been doing this season.  They're learning to communicate through problems and push through tough times because of what we are doing and preaching culturally."

Morningside takes the floor again tomorrow, August 21, with an 11 a.m. match vs Kansas Wesleyan and a 3 p.m. match vs Avila.