Mustangs fall in Dordt series finale

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside took the floor for its penultimate home game of the season, squaring off with Dordt in Heart of America Conference action with one final home match on the distant horizon. The Mustangs, who picked up a 3-1 win at Dordt earlier this year, fell to the Defenders in a tight match, 26-24, 28-26, and 25-22.

Morningside's attack was led by Mohamed Benkrid, who hit .324 and had 16 kills. Kirby Schmalz followed with eight, Tharen Cox and Liam Lutz had five, and Ian Smith had four. Schmalz hit .280 on the night, with Cox at .500, Lutz at .111, and Smith at .429. As a team the Mustangs hit .284 with Jacob DePauw dishing 33 of the 39 assists.

Benkrid and Schmalz also led the way in the back row, each tallying eight digs. Owen Anderson followed with six and Lutz had four. Cox had block assists and Smith and Lutz each had three.

Morningside begins a series of six road games to close out the month of March, heading to no. 15 William Penn and no. 6 Grand View this weekend.