Mustangs bested by Bulldogs

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – It was another day, another opponent that has been ranked in the NAIA's top 25 this season, as the Mustangs continued play as part of their very strong Great Plains Athletic Conference schedule.  The Mustangs fell to the Bulldogs of Concordia, who are now listed as receiving votes, 3-0, with set scores of 25-24, 25-22, and 25-19.

The Mustangs quickly saw set one slip away, falling behind early and unable to make up ground, and set two looked like it was going to be a repeat.  However, down 12-7, head coach Jessica Squier called a time out and it was like something out of your favorite sports movie.  

"The girls decided to play for themselves and focus on the goals that they set for themselves prior to the match," explained Squier.  "Sabrina and Lindi's serves gave the girls confidence."

Morningside came back in set two, tying the score 18-18.  Unfortunately that's where the movie magic wore off, as Concordia pulled ahead just enough to put away the set.

Set three shared the almost magic of set two, with the Mustangs falling behind early, but thanks to the team's persistence and, as coach Squier explained, focusing on the goals that were set ahead of the match, the team pulled to within five points.  Time ran out on the fairy tale, though, as Concordia grabbed the points it needed and headed home.

Morningside's defense continued to impress in the defeat, collecting five points off blocks, but also channeling the ball to the waiting players in the back row.  Familiar names, Meredith Hoffman and Claire Wilson, each had three blocks in the match, with Hoffman collecting one of the team's two solo blocks.  Sydney Marlow collected the remaining solo block.

"Our block timing is getting better.  That allows us to set up our read nicely," said Squier.

Among the best at reading the Bulldogs' attack and reacting to the ball as it hit off blockers' hands, were sophomore defensive specialist, Payton Shoquist, and senior setter Sabrina Creason.  Shoquist tallied 17 digs, while Creason followed with 14.

Morningside's offense was held to 26 kills in the set, topped by Emerson Smith's eight.  Wilson and Hoffman each had five, with Wilson hitting an impressive .556 to lead all attackers in the game.  Lindi Pojar aced Concordia's serve receive twice, leading the way to the team's five total aces.

The Mustangs are back on the road this week, with back-to-back road matches, Friday at Mount Marty and Saturday at College of Saint Mary.