Comeback falls short for Mustangs at Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa – After trailing 2-0, the Mustangs found themselves in a fifth and decisive final set against Clarke Friday night in Dubuque.

Clarke wound up winning the match in the fifth set by taking the early lead and holding on to pull off the home win.

Clarke took the first two sets of the match 25-20 and 25-23. Morningside struggled offensively in the first two sets, hitting .067 in the first and .065 in the second, but a shift in momentum in the third set gave the Mustangs new life.

Morningside had 20 total attacks in the third set, but converted 12 of them to hit .400. Meanwhile, Clarke totaled six kills and six errors in the set as Morningside won the set 25-14.

The Mustangs followed up the third set win with a 27-25 win in the fourth set. It wasn't easy, as Clarke led 22-20 before three straight from the Mustangs made it 23-22. The two sides traded the next five points, making it 25 all. Isaiah Baynes recorded kills on the next two plays to seal the win in set four. Clarke jumped ahead early in set five and held on to win the match with a 15-8 result in the final set.

Baynes and Kirby Schmalz tallied 12 kills each for the Mustangs. Jacob Baynes added nine kills. Jacob DePauw added 38 assists and 10 digs. Owen Anderson contributed 17 digs to lead the team in the back row.

Morningside is back in action against Mount Mercy Saturday at 2 p.m. with junior varsity at noon.