Mustangs fall short in Midland match

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside's Mustangs returned to Allee Gym for a game for the first time in almost two weeks tonight, facing the sixth-ranked Warriors from Midland University.  The hometown Mustangs gave Midland a fight, but fell in straight sets, 25-20, 25-13, and 25-9.

The night's opening set saw Morningside fall behind early, trailing by as many as five before either team reached 10 points.  The hosts reeled the visiting Warriors back in, closing the gap to two, before Midland went on another run to stretch out to its largest lead of the set, 19-12.  Not done yet, Meredith Hoffman highlighted a three-point run that helped Morningside pull back into things, collecting a block and a kill in the span.  Points later, another kill for Hoffman and a Midland error gave the Mustangs their set score of 20, as Midland closed out the set.

"We were able to retain the serve and our transition offense was consistent," said head coach Jessica Squier of the Mustangs' run late in set one.

Sets two and three were very much the same for Morningside, as Midland took the lead early in each set and held it until the final serve.

Morningside's offense was led by Meredith Hofffman, terminating 11 points and hitting at a .348 percentage.  Emerson Smith followed with six kills.  Sabrina Creason earned 14 assists in the set, while Gillian DePauw took nine.

"Midland was consistent," analyzed Squier.  "They ran cross plays and their block was solid.  We have it in us to do the same, if we choose."

The front row defense was championed by Emma Schall, with three blocks.  Hoffman and DePauw each had two in the match.  The Mustangs back row was led by Payton Shoquist, with 13 digs, followed by Smith, with six.

"Our serve needs to be aggressive," Squier said, providing her keys to move on in tomorrow's Concordia match.  "Our transition offense needs to utilize the toolbox at its disposal, and we need to play as a team."

First serve of the Concordia match is scheduled for 3 p.m., following a 1:30 JV contest.