Mustangs drop pair in Park finale

PARKVILLE, MO. – Morningside suffered another pair of setbacks as they concluded play in the 2023 Park Invitational today. The Mustangs' losses weren't without excitement, as they fell to McPherson in five sets, 3-2, and Saint Ambrose 3-1.

Morningside was within points of taking the five-setter against McPherson, winning 25-23 before dropping the next two sets 27-25 and 25-23. The Mustangs, who have had their grittiness on display throughout the young season, came back to win set four 25-19, but were unable to secure the deciding set, falling 15-7.

Morningside hit .215 against the Bulldogs, with Katherine Miller leading the way at .412 out of the middle. She ended the match with nine kills.

Payten Lode led Morningside on the attack, tallying 16 kills. Sydney Marlow and Claire Wilson both followed with 14, as Aleksandra Dalach gathered 47 assists.

Libero Payton Shoquist led the way at the back line, scooping 22 digs. Wilson followed with 17, Aureana Bernales had 15, and Lode had 14.

Morningside had 12 blocks in the match, led by Victoria Bouska, with seven, Miller, with five, and Lode and Wilson, with three each.

Lode led the way for Morningside's offense in the nightcap, tallying 13 kills. Marlow and Wilson each followed with 12. Dalach added 42 assists to her total for the weekend.

Shoquist added another 22 digs, with Dalach grabbing 14, Marlow 11, and Lode and Bernales digging 10 balls each.

The Mustangs look to build on what they've learned about themselves as they begin conference play this week, traveling to Dordt University on Aug. 30 for a 7:30 p.m. contest.