Morningside rallied for a first round victory against Graceland before it bowed out of the NAIA North Conference Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a loss against second-ranked Grand View in the semifinals.

Morningside’s men’s volleyball team rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Graceland before the Mustangs bowed out in the semifinals of the NAIA North Conference Tournament in Friday’s action in Canton, Mo.

The Mustangs opened the tournament with a 14-25, 23-25, 31-29, 25-16, 15-13 victory against Graceland in the third five-set match between the two teams this season. The Mustangs won two of the three meetings between the two teams and rallied from a 2-0 deficit to force a fifth set in all of them.

Morningside lost in the semifinals by a 25-21, 25-13, 25-14 verdict against second-ranked Grand View to finish its inaugural men’s volleyball season with an 11-17 record.

Raul Rivera Rojas led the Mustangs with 15 kills and Jeffrey Taylor just missed double figures with nine terminations in the win against Graceland. Braden Hall and Oscar Alvarez Cancel each added seven kills.

Rivera Rojas and Dalton Tucker each had 12 digs to pace the Mustangs’ court coverage. Jordan Bailey and Taylor were right behind with 11 and 10 digs, respectively.

The Mustangs’ other leaders were Bailey with 33 assists, Rivera Rojas with two ace serves, and Alvarez Cancel with one solo and four block assists.

Taylor slammed 11 kills to lead the Mustangs’ attack in their loss against Grand View. Hall was next with five.

Tucker led all performers with 16 digs and Bailey dealt a match-high 24 assists.

Rivera Rojas was later named to the NAIA North Conference All-Tournament Team.

Graceland Box

Grand View Box