Morningside falls at No. 15 Mount Mercy

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Playing the second game in two days, Morningside stumbled against No. 15 Mount Mercy, falling 25-22, 25-18, 25-20 Saturday in Cedar Rapids.

The Mustangs' most successful set offensively was the set they lost by the biggest margin in, hitting .296 with 10 kills in set two, but below .100 in the first and third sets. The second set was also the strongest for Mount Mercy, who recorded 16 kills in the set. 

Natan Alves recorded nine kills and Isaiah Baynes five kills. Jacob DePauw tallied 16 assists and Owen Anderson and Alves added seven digs apiece.

Saturday's contest was Morningside's first against a ranked opponent this season, and is also the first match in which Morningside didn't win a set. Last weekend, the Mustangs took Receiving Votes Westcliff to five sets. 

Morningside will have its first home competition of the 2024 season Friday against St. Ambrose and No. 6 Grand View. Saturday's game against Missouri Valley will be Morningside's second game against a team receiving votes in the coaches' rating.