Mustangs Open 2026 Season With Victory Over V-Hawks

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — In a commanding 3-0 victory at Hennessey Rec Center on Thursday, Mount Mercy (1-0) emerged triumphant over Viterbo (0-1), capturing the sets 25-20, 25-14, 25-18. The Mustangs delivered an impressive .327 hitting percentage, with a standout second set boasting 17 kills and zero errors.

Mount Mercy set the tone early in the first set with key plays, including three kills each from Guglielmo Illotti and Raphael Massara, leading to a 25-20 win. Gustavo Kehl Bauer orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out essential assists. Despite Viterbo's efforts, capped by a late kill from Ethan Davis, the Mustangs took advantage of the V-Hawks' nine attack errors to clinch the set.

The Mustangs continued their dominance in the second set, showcasing a potent offense with a 7-0 run featuring service aces from Illotti and Massara. Capitalizing on Viterbo's errors, Mount Mercy maintained their lead with kills from Curdin Acklin and Gabor Toth, facilitated by Bauer's adept setting. Even with a few service errors, they closed the set decisively, 25-14, demonstrating strength in serving and blocking.

The third set saw Mount Mercy assert control with a 25-18 victory, driven by effective serving and offensive prowess. Massara and Brian Lynch each contributed service aces, fueling the Mustangs' momentum. Maks Cabajewski's playmaking was instrumental, assisting on multiple kills, including three by Toth. Despite Viterbo's efforts, highlighted by Logan Amdur's setting leading to several kills, Mount Mercy maintained their grip, aided by the V-Hawks' service errors.

Gabor Toth led the charge with 12 kills on 27 attempts, achieving a .333 hitting percentage and adding a service ace. Raphael Massara contributed seven kills on 11 attempts, boasting a .545 hitting percentage and three service aces. Maks Cabajewski tallied 16 assists and two block assists. Guglielmo Illotti added eight kills on 13 attempts, with a .538 hitting percentage and two service aces.

For the V-Hawks, Logan Amdur directed the offense with 21 assists. Riley Connors delivered six kills and six digs, while Owen Collitt posted a .300 hitting percentage with three block assists. Max Dugan shone defensively, leading with eight digs and a service ace, displaying his all-around skills on the court.

Mount Mercy is set to face Cumberland next, with the matchup scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24 at noon in Moline, Illinois.