Morningside claims win in home, league opener

Photo by Jonah Gleason, Morningside Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside's men's volleyball team came to Allee Gym with a purpose in its home and Great Plains Athletic Conference opener tonight, as it defeated Ottawa 3-1, with sets of 25-21, 25-22, 18-25, and 25-17. The Braves were picked to finish third, ahead of the Mustangs, in the GPAC preseason poll, receiving one vote to finish at the top of the league.

Offensive efficiency was key for Morningside in the contest, as the home team hit .208, compared to Ottawa's .098. The Mustangs recorded 47 kills in 120 attempts, while Ottawa had 32 kills in 102 attempts. Both teams had 22 attack errors.

Natan Alves led the way for Morningside, striking for 17 kills. Kahakai Kahoiwai was right behind with 15 kills. Tharen Cox followed Kahoiwai at a distance, with six kills. Dylan Hamil had four, and Jacob DePauw had three. DePauw also had 41 assists in the four-setter.

The Mustangs had 13 service aces, with DePauw acing the Braves six times and Owen Anderson recording five aces.

Anderson led the way in the digs column, with 11. Alves and Kahoiwai each had eight, while Hamil and DePauw each had five.

Morningside's defensive front had four blocks, led by Cox with four block assists and DePauw with two.

The Mustangs are on the road for the remainder of February, playing at Central Christian and Kansas Wesleyan this Friday and Saturday.