Mustangs drop five-set heartbreaker

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – A gritty Morningside team, as coach Addison Mertler described it, took a two-set St. Ambrose advantage, and turned it into a thrilling night, stretching the deciding fifth set out to a 15-13 final score.  The Mustangs took the loss in the match, 3-2, with set scores of 25-23, 25-23, 14-25, 23-25, and 13-25.

"Tonight was a big turning point for us," said Mertler after the match.  "Ottawa was a very difficult and emotional match, and we spent a lot of time going into today focusing on ourselves, things that we control, and the way that we conduct ourselves."

Morningside was on the cusp of victory in sets one and two, but set three is where its fortunes turned.

"Going into the third and fourth set, we know that we can battle with most teams if we play our system and play as a unit," explained the Mustangs' first-year coach.

"Being able to extend points and play gritty is our style of volleyball, and it allows us to be successful."

That gritty play silenced St. Ambrose's attack, limiting the Fighting Bees to only six kills in the set.  The Mustangs recorded a match-high 15 kills, and hit at a markedly improved .480 hitting percentage.

Morningside's force in silencing the attack from the Bees was championed by Owen Anderson, recording 15 digs in the five-set soiree.  Lucas Begliomini tailed him, recording 11 digs, and the brothers Baynes each recorded eight.

Isaiah and Jacob Baynes accounted for 45 of the Mustangs' 62 kills on the day, recording 25 and 20, respectively.  Erik Krenz followed, with six, and Begliomini with five.  Jacob DePauw racked up 55 of the team's 58 assists on the night.

"The twins showed great resilience and consistency tonight, as they have the entire season.  They are extremely versatile, and have become go-to players for us," digested Mertler.  "We trust them to make good, aggressive attacks, and to be able to put a ball away when needed."

Morningside is back in action next week, welcoming Dordt University and the University of Jamestown to Allee Gym Wednesday and Thursday.