Mustangs show improvement in DWU loss

Photo by Josie Dike, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside women's volleyball team was in need of a confidence booster following Thursday's match at Dakota State, but with Dakota Wesleyan, who was ranked no. 18 in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics poll, next on the schedule, that was going to be a tall task. While the set score didn't reflect it, the Mustangs fought for every point of the 25-20, 25-23, 25-20 loss. More importantly, they made the Tigers fight for their win.

"I was happy to see the team taking the way we lost to Dakota State seriously," said head coach Jessica Squier. "They worked hard in practice and really responded well to coaching in practice and in the match."

Morningside hung with Dakota Wesleyan in set one, not letting DWU get more than a couple points separation until the Tigers reached the 20-point mark. From there the Mustangs stalled, letting their guests secure the set victory.

In set two, it was Morningside that took the lead early, working out to a seven point lead, the largest lead held by either team in the match. This time it was DWU that clawed back into the match, capitalizing on errors to regain the upper hand.

The Mustangs started set three playing from behind, but were able to counter DWU scoring streaks and keep the scores close. A trio of errors let the Tigers get some separation that the Mustangs couldn't overcome the rest of the match.

Morningside's offense was spread more evenly than games past, with Sydney Marlow and Claire Wilson sharing the top spot on the leaderboard, with 10 kills each. Nienke van Drunen was next in line, with eight, and Payten Lode and Gillian DePauw followed with six apiece. DePauw also recorded 31 assists in the match.

"We are really trying to limit the responsibility on Sydney," said Squier after the match. Claire and Payten are stepping up. Even the middles are getting good looks. The next step is limiting our errors."

Morningside's defense tallied 70 digs, led by Aureana Bernales, with 21. Marlow followed with 18 and Payton Shoquist recorded 11. Wilson, spending more time in the back row, had eight digs.

The Mustangs travel to Dordt University this week to play the Defenders on Wednesday, September 21. JV is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with varsity following.