Morningside University women’s volleyball took the honor of being the first program to record a varsity win under the institution’s moniker Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20 and 21. Head coach Jessica Squier’s squad turned in three victories in four matches at the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Fall Fling, all coming by way of sweeps.
“These matches got us started in the right direction,” Squier said. “We worked this line up once in practice, and the girls responded well to it. This team is very versatile, and we plan on using that to the best of our ability.”
Three front liners topped the Maroon offensive output. The freshman tandem of outside hitter Sydney Marlow of Burlington, Iowa and Claire Wilson, of Omaha tallied 43 and 32 successful attacks, and junior outside hitter Ryley Rolls, of Alliance added 23 kills during a two-day span during which Mside hit .139.
“We have a go-getter mentality. It’s been enjoyable working with this team so far because they’re willing to jump in and do whatever,” Squier noted.
Wilson was a demanding customer offensively and defensively for the opposition. She also put up ten blocks to go with her 32 kills. Freshman setter Gillian DePauw of South Beloit, Ill. wasn’t afraid to mix it up at the front, either with 12 kills, tying sophomore Meredith Hoffman of Des Moines, Iowa at the top of the stat chart.
Morningside (3-1) swept past Friends University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University during Friday’s play. They returned to Hutchinson Sports Arena Saturday for a split, knocking off Avila University and taking Kansas Wesleyan University to four sets in a close-knit defeat.
“Light has been shed on what we are good at and what areas we need to work on. We’ll get back at it, watching film and practicing on Monday,” Squier reflected at weekend’s end. “This team continues to raise the bar every practice. I’m excited to see their progression.”