Mustangs Overpower Avila in Straight Sets Victory

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy's Mustangs (4-0, 0-0) swept past Avila Eagles (0-5, 0-0) in straight sets, clinching a 25-11, 25-12, 25-13 victory on Friday night. The Mustangs were unstoppable, hitting a remarkable .524 with 40 kills compared to Avila's 14.

Mount Mercy took charge from the get-go in the first set, benefiting from Avila's errors and a stellar serving display. Pere Font Torres made a significant impact with four service aces, setting the tone early. Gustavo Kehl Bauer orchestrated the offense with deft assists, paving the way for powerful kills by Guglielmo Illotti and Douglas Fofano. The Mustangs kept Avila to just 11 points, sealing the set at 25-11.

The second set saw Mount Mercy continue their dominance with a 25-12 win. Torres and Brian Lynch spearheaded the offensive surge, each delivering multiple crucial kills, with Maks Cabajewski providing steady assists. Avila faltered with attack errors, notably from Rylan Murphy, allowing the Mustangs to widen their lead. Mount Mercy added two more service aces, underscoring their grip on the set.

In the third set, Mount Mercy wrapped up a 25-13 victory, fueled by Cabajewski's pivotal role in serving and setting. The Mustangs jumped to an early 4-0 lead, highlighted by a Cabajewski service ace and a Lynch kill. Avila struggled with attack errors and service faults, enabling the Mustangs to maintain their momentum and finish the set convincingly.

Torres led the Mustangs with 13 kills and five service aces, amassing 19 total points. Cabajewski distributed the ball with precision, recording 23 assists and chipping in a service ace. Illotti was flawless, boasting a perfect attack percentage with three kills on three attempts and adding a block assist. Lynch contributed seven kills and two service aces, bringing his points tally to nine.

For Avila, Trystan Edwards stood out with three kills on seven attempts, finishing with a .143 hitting percentage, and added two digs. Jake Fogle led the setting effort with 12 assists, avoiding errors throughout. Brady Darr showed efficiency with a .333 hitting percentage, securing two kills on three attempts and adding a solo block. Despite a negative hitting percentage, Murphy was Avila's offensive leader with four points from four kills. These players played crucial roles for the Eagles throughout the match.

Mount Mercy now boasts a perfect 4-0 record, while Avila remains winless at 0-5.

Next up, the Mustangs will host William Penn on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.