Season opening win eludes mustangs

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Morningside Men's Volleyball opened its 2022 season hosting Viterbo University in Allee Gym tonight.  The Mustangs were unable to collect the campaign's first win on opening night, dropping a three-set loss to the visiting V-Hawks, 25-14, 25-22, and 25-14.

Morningside's night didn't go as planned from the beginning, as the short-handed Mustangs saw Lucas Begliomini, a junior libero from Lorena, Brazil, filling in as an outside hitter.

If you didn't have a copy of the roster, however, you wouldn't have known that wasn't the junior's natural spot, as he hit for a team-leading eight kills and collected six digs.

"Lucas is undersized but knows how to use it. He's got a high volleyball IQ and he uses it to his advantage," said Addison Mertler, head coach of the Mustangs. "Our team has done a great job stepping up and working the best they can, especially with how young the group is."

Begliomini's efforts were followed by Jacob Baynes with five kills and Isiah Baynes with four.  Jacob DePauw dished 21 assists in the match and collected a kill of his own.

Morningside's defense racked up 44 digs in the three-set match, led by freshman Owen Anderson in the libero jersey, with 13, and fellow freshman Dylan Hamil, with 11.

"We stress the importance of defense everyday in practice and it has become part of who we are as a team," explained Mertler. "It was awesome to see the guys make some solid plays."

Erik Krenz led the Mustangs on the defensive side of the net, knocking down a solo block and pairing with fellow Mankato, Minn. product, Isaiah Baynes, for two block assists each.

"Tonight was our first real match and there are always things we want to change and improve, but this season is a marathon, not a sprint, so we have to turn our focus to the next match and keep improving on the way," the Mustangs' skipper analyzed.

Morningside is back in action tomorrow, playing Clarke University at 1 p.m. in Allee Gymnasium.