Morningside drops matches to nationally ranked Park, Missouri Valley

PARKVILLE, MO. – Day two of the Park Pirate Invitational proved less fruitful for the Mustangs than day one, as they ran into no. 4 ranked Park University and no. 8 Missouri Valley University.  The pair of nationally ranked teams both swept Morningside in straight sets, with Park claiming a 25-13, 25-17, 25-21 victory, and Missouri Valley picking up its win 25-17, 25-22, and 25-23.

Morningside's matches weren't without luster, though, as the Mustangs' defense harassed both top-10 teams, cooling off Park's attack to a .000 kill percentage and seven kills, after it worked at .500+ for the first two sets.  Morningside earned a total of seven team blocks against the Pirates, with Tharen Cox staking a claim in four, and Erik Krenz and Jacob DePauw each claiming three.  Krenz's efforts included one solo block.

Owen Anderson returned to the top of the digs column for Morningside, recording seven.  Lucas Begliomini followed with six, and Isaiah Baynes had five.

Against the Vikings from Missouri Valley, Morningside had three blocks, led by Jacob Baynes with two block assists, and 21 digs, led by Isaiah Baynes and DePauw, each with five, but saw their opponents plummet to a .167 hitting percentage in set two, down from .480+ the rest of the match.

Morningside's offense recorded 25 kills in the 12:00 park match, highlighted by Krenz and Jacob Baynes, with seven each.  Isaiah Baynes followed with six, and DePauw recorded 19 of the Mustangs' 22 assists.

Isaiah Baynes took top honors against Missouri Valley, recording 16 of the Mustangs' 34 kills.  He was followed by Jacob Baynes, with eight.  DePauw tallied another 28 assists, of the team's 32.

Morningside is back in action on Thursday, February 10, at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa.  First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.