SIOUX CITY, Iowa – The No. 5-ranked Corban University Women's Volleyball team opened its 2026 campaign on Thursday afternoon against host Morningside University, battling throughout the match before falling in straight sets (25-22, 25-11, 25-19) on the Mustangs' home court.
"We knew coming into this season that there would be a learning curve with so many new faces stepping into expanded roles," said head coach Kim McLain. "Finding our identity as a team isn't something that happens overnight, especially when you're asking new student-athletes to contribute in differing ways. There were some moments today where you could see what this group is capable of, and there were other moments that showed where we still need to grow. That's all part of the journey. The exciting thing is that this team has a tremendous amount of talent, and every match we play together helps us take another step toward becoming the team we know we can be."
Corban jumped out to a strong start in the opening frame, scoring the first three points and building an early 5-2 advantage behind aggressive play from senior outside hitter Emma Bischoff and junior middle blocker Gracee Robertson. The Warriors continued to pressure Morningside throughout the set and erased an 18-14 deficit with a four-point run highlighted by back-to-back service aces from senior outside hitter Kendra Bittle to knot the score at 18-18. Corban remained within one point late at 23-22, but the Mustangs closed the set with consecutive points to secure the 25-22 victory.
The second set proved to be Morningside's strongest stretch of the afternoon. After the Warriors stayed within striking distance early, the Mustangs utilized a lengthy run midway through the frame to create separation and eventually claim a 25-11 decision. Corban received kills from junior opposite hitter Lauryn Copeland, freshman outside hitter Greta Van Gemert, and Bittle during the set, but was unable to slow an efficient Mustang attack that hit .372 in the period.
Seeking to extend the match, the Warriors responded with improved defensive intensity in the third set. Trailing 7-2 early, Corban worked its way back within two points at 9-7 and later trimmed the deficit to 14-12 following a block from Robertson and freshman outside hitter Racquel Gauna. The Navy and Gold continued to compete down the stretch, receiving key kills from Bischoff, Robertson, and Gauna, but Morningside maintained control and closed out the match with a 25-19 third-set win.
Bischoff paced the Warrior offense with a team-high 10 kills while adding nine digs, narrowly missing a double-double in her senior season debut. Robertson added five kills on a .222 attacking percentage and tied for the team lead with two block assists. Bittle contributed five kills, two service aces, and three digs, while Copeland recorded four kills.
Howard paced the Warrior offense with a team-high 13 assists while adding eight digs. Corban also received distribution from MacAskill and Crowell off the bench, who combined for nine assists. Defensively, libero Dani Street anchored the back row with a match-high 17 digs and two service aces, providing steady ball control throughout the season opener.
At the net, redshirt sophomore middle blocker Jenna Konzelman provided a presence with four block assists and two kills, while Corban totaled 12 block assists as a team, but only two through the opening two sets. The Warriors also recorded four service aces and 48 digs in the contest.
Morningside was led by Sidda Hagedorn with 13 kills, while Miyah Whitehead added 10 kills and 12 digs. Setter Kyla Dyrstad orchestrated the Mustang offense with 36 assists as Morningside finished the afternoon hitting .269 as a team against the usually formidable Warrior defensive presence at the net.
Corban (0-1) will look to regroup quickly as the No. 5-ranked team in the NAIA as they're set to kick off tournament play in the Siouxland Volleyball Invitational tomorrow morning. The Warriors showcased moments of the form that has made them a national contender and will aim to build on those positives as they seek their first victory of the 2026 season against nationally recognized opponents in No. 16-ranked Dakota Wesleyan University (4-0) and No. 7-ranked McPherson College (0-0).
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