Morningside falls, splits series in crosstown showdown

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside's women's volleyball team closed out the month of September on its schedule in heart breaking fashion, as it saw a two set lead over rival Briar Cliff slip away, eventually falling 3-2, with scores of 21-25, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, and 15-8, and splitting the season series between the pair of Sioux City schools.

Fans of the rivalry knew from the get go that neither team was going to go without a fight, as early on in the match the two sides kept their opponents close.  This was possibly best illustrated when the Mustangs came back on Briar Cliff's set point, snatching set two from the visiting Chargers.

It was the Chargers that would have the final word, however, spoiling Morningside's hopes of a homecoming week victory, as they took sets three and four to force the deciding set.  It became apparent that the momentum had shifted, as they cruised to a victory, taking set five and the match.

Morningside's offense recorded 51 kills in the loss, headlined by Emerson Smith's 16, and followed by Sydney Marlow with 14, and Meredith Hoffman with 11.

The defense was championed by Payton Shoquist.  The sophomore from Mansfield, Texas recorded 20 digs in the match.  Sabrina Creason and Emerson Smith trailed with 14 each.  Morningside's block was led by Hoffman with one solo and one assist, and Kenna Howard with two block assists.

Creason recorded 34 assists in the match, leaving 14 for her freshman counterpart, Bridget Smith. 

The Mustangs are back in action in Allee Gym on Saturday, wrapping up homecoming week with a 5 p.m. varsity match with Dakota Wesleyan.  JV will take the floor first, starting at 3:30 p.m.