Mustangs victorious over St. Francis, take set from no. 9 Viterbo

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. – Morningside women's volleyball again showed that it has the talent to contend with top ten teams as it defeated St. Francis of Indiana 3-2 before dropping a close match to no. 9 Viterbo, 3-1.

Defense was a key for the Mustangs, as Morningside held Saint Francis to a .050 hitting percentage, in part due to 13 team blocks, all via block assist. Kylah Brewer was crucial, recording 11 blocks. Payten Lode and Sydney Marlow were next in line with four each. 

Aureana Bernales led the way in digs, recording 36 in the five-setter. Marlow followed with 12, with Payton Shoqust not far behind, with nine. Bernales' total fell just shy of the 2013 five-set match record of 38, held by Grace Chvatal.

Morningside recorded 50 kills in the match, led by Marlow's 20. Lode followed with 10, with Gillian DePauw and Nienke van Drunen next in line with five each. DePauw and Bridget Smith each recorded 18 assists of the team total 41 assists.

The Mustangs again showcased their defense in the Viterbo match, recording eight blocks, with DePauw leading with the Mustangs' lone solo block and three block assists. Claire Wilson and Brewer each got in on three blocks, while van Drunen and Gaby Wilson each got two. 

Bernales again led in digs, with 25, while Shoquist was next in line with six.

Morningside totaled 36 kills in the match, with Marlow accounting for 16. Claire Wilson and Lode were second in line with seven each.

The Mustangs are back on the floor on Wednesday, Sept. 7, as Briar Cliff visits Allee Gym. JV will begin at 6 p.m. with varsity following at 7:30 p.m.