Mustangs Dominate the Pride in Straight-Set Victory

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University's Mustangs (8-2, 4-2) delivered a commanding 3-0 sweep against Clarke University (4-6, 1-5) on Tuesday night at Hennessey Rec Center. The Mustangs showcased an impressive .400 hitting percentage, highlighted by a dominant third set where they hit .579.

Mount Mercy set the tone from the outset as Guglielmo Illotti sparked an early 3-0 lead with consecutive kills. Although a service error allowed Clarke to get on the board, the Mustangs stayed in control, with Curdin Acklin and Matthew Krzos each notching a kill to push the score to 5-1. Clarke managed to level the score at 5-5, aided by a series of Mount Mercy errors.

In a back-and-forth battle, the Mustangs regained their edge through clutch plays from Raphael Massara and Acklin, edging ahead 11-10. Clarke attempted to respond, but Mount Mercy capitalized on their opponents' mistakes. Douglas Fofano and Massara's service aces widened the gap, and a final service error by Clarke sealed the first set for the Mustangs at 25-21.

The second set saw Mount Mercy quickly establish momentum, with Gabor Toth and Illotti delivering key kills for an early 3-0 lead. Clarke tried to close the gap, but Mount Mercy's relentless attack, highlighted by Illotti's multiple kills and a block from Massara, kept them ahead.

As the set advanced, Acklin and Brian Lynch took advantage of Clarke's miscues, further extending the Mustangs' lead. Despite Clarke's efforts, Mount Mercy's steady play, capped by a decisive Krzos kill, clinched the set 25-13.

The Mustangs carried their momentum into the third set, with Lynch's back-to-back kills, assisted by Maks Cabajewski, setting the pace. Richard Struska's service ace pushed the lead to 5-2. Midway through, Pere Font Torres and Cabajewski orchestrated blocks and kills, pushing the score to 13-7.

Font Torres unleashed a series of powerful serves, further increasing the lead. Despite a few service errors, Mount Mercy maintained control with effective kills from Fofano and Nikola Kovacevic. Clarke called a timeout at 23-10, but the Mustangs were unyielding, closing the set and match at 25-11.

Kovacevic achieved a perfect attack percentage with two kills on two attempts. Acklin led with eight kills and a .471 hitting percentage, while Illotti contributed eight kills and three digs. Lynch added four kills on five attempts, boasting an .800 hitting percentage, along with two blocks.

For Clarke, Trey Vescoso recorded a .417 hitting percentage with five kills and one service ace. Dustin Kuner added six kills, a .333 hitting percentage, and three block assists. Tanner May was efficient with a .667 hitting percentage and seven kills. Benjamin Reiser facilitated with 22 assists, while Jason Romero had seven digs.

Mount Mercy now stands at 8-2 overall and 4-2 in conference play. Clarke holds a 4-6 overall record and 1-5 in the conference.

Up next, the Mustangs will host Morningside on Friday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.