Cementing a foundation – Twin brothers at heart of Morningside progression

A noticeable corner turning to a bright future is on Morningside University men's volleyball's agenda.

Following a tough-luck two-win 2021 campaign, the Mustangs, behind an intrepid group of seven young men stepping up to the challenge in every situation, have reached seven victories in 2022 and won a Great Plains Athletic Conference tournament match for the first time in program history as part of a program-best four-match win streak, With that in mind, heads are turning to take a look. 

At the center of the progression are twin brothers from Mankato, Minn.

Despite not having an opportunity to play scholastic boys' volleyball as it hadn't gained traction in their home state until after they graduated, Isaiah and Jacob Baynes have made the most of growing into a game that they now can't imagine their lives being without. 

Jacob, the lone returner for first-year head coach Addison Mertler's program, reflected on the humble volleyball beginnings he and his brother had.

"We have a triplet sister, Emma, who wanted to move up to the varsity team in high school," he noted. "She didn't have much chance to practice outside of school, but she got Isaiah and me to play pepper with her. Honestly, early on, we couldn't keep the ball in play much to help."

"We just kept working at it – even after she got on the team and moved on," he added. "Gradually, we found ourselves going to the University of Minnesota and watching a lot of volleyball. We also were managers for the girls' team at our high school, so we could be a part of practices and just have a chance to immerse ourselves in the sport."

From the start, the results have been remarkable. Isaiah is one of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' most challenging front-line assignments, pounding 346 kills at the opposition for an average of better than four per set, ranking among the top 10 nationally. Jacob has shown his wares around the rotation, producing 31 services, more than 100 digs, and 218 kills. 

Those numbers are even more awe-inspiring when one considers they are attacking at heights of 6-0 and 6-1. 

"We were able to get some speed and elevation into our game through various outlets," Isaiah pointed out. "Track and field was big for both of us for endurance and speed work. Getting our attacks timed and the leaping abilities came from practicing with our sister's high school team and working out with Minnesota State-Mankato's Division II program. The game became a part of our life – we play pepper all the time as an example."

No matter the path taken, Morningside's head coach is exceptionally enthusiastic when he talks about the two key Mustangs. 

"Both of these guys have a solid volleyball IQ," Mertler said. "It goes beyond the court, too. They are both well-rounded. I felt, before the year began, with the work ethic and desire for success they both have, that they were ready to explode in their roles. Isaiah has become one of the best offensive weapons around, and Jacob has become fluent in playing three spots which can be difficult."

"They are the veteran leadership this program has needed," he added. "They've both been around the game for a long time and understand the subtle aspects you need to work on to be good. I think we can build this team to a strong level with them here for a couple of more years yet. They provide the consistency it takes to do so."

Isaiah and Jacob are just as appreciative of what the new head coach has brought to campus.

"Coach has so much knowledge of volleyball," Jacob said. "He came here with a goal in mind, too. I sometimes think, in the past, we were just playing to play. It's not that way anymore. We want to do well in the conference and post-season to represent a place all of us enjoy being at. What we're doing this season shows what it's like to stick with something no matter the ups and downs."

Producing small steps toward Morningside men's volleyball success, it could lead to even bigger things in the future in their estimation.

"Hey, seven wins might not look like much to recruits right now," Isaiah admitted. "However, I think people are starting to see how much fun we have together and how we've battled some of NAIA's top teams for every point. We know the steps aren't huge yet, but they are there and going forward."