Mustangs drop three-setter to Dordt

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside volleyball butted heads with its nearest opponent in the geographical Great Plains Athletic Conference, the Dordt Defenders.  The Mustang men fell in a three-set series, 25-22, 25-20, and 25-21.  

Morningside and Dordt proved to be an even matchup, with two kills separating the teams on offense.  A six ace advantage for the visitors was negated by Defender service errors, but Dordt's defensive presence at the net was unmatched, recording 12.5 blocks to Morningside's five.  

"We are pretty evenly matched when it comes to our system and style of play," remarked coach Addison Mertler.  

"I think a couple points in each set come down to height and the experience of Dordt's veteran players," he continued.  "We know we can play and hang with the top teams in our conference.  It's just a matter of execution in critical points."

The Mustangs were led on the attack by Isaiah Baynes, with 10 kills at a .350 hitting percentage, Dylan Hamil, with eight kills, and Jacob Baynes, with seven.  Jacob DePauw recorded 27 assists in the match.

Hamil and Tharen Cox each recorded three block assists, followed by Erik Krenz, with two.  Owen Anderson scrapped for 10 digs, with Isaiah Baynes following with nine.

Morningside is back in action tomorrow, going toe-to-toe with the University of Jamestown in Allee Gymnasium at 7 p.m.