Mustangs Top Morningside Behind Illotti’s Season-High 23 Kills

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy University notched a 3-1 victory over Morningside University on Friday night at Hennessey Rec Center, improving their record to 9-2 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Mount Mercy put on an offensive clinic with a team attack percentage of .294, racking up 66 kills across four sets.

Mount Mercy opened strong, taking the first set 25-22. Guglielmo Illotti led the charge with six kills, while Gustavo Kehl Bauer played a key role with multiple assists that set up crucial plays. Despite service errors from both teams, Mount Mercy's defensive efforts, highlighted by a crucial block from Illotti and Matthew Krzos at 22-19, helped seal the set.

Morningside fought back in the second set, using a 6-0 run to pull ahead and eventually win the set 25-19. Mount Mercy's Gabor Toth performed admirably, adding multiple kills with the help of Kehl Bauer's assists, but Morningside's consistent offense, driven by Natan Alves and aided by Mount Mercy's service errors, kept them in control.

A closely contested third set saw Mount Mercy edge Morningside 25-23. Kehl Bauer's playmaking was instrumental, assisting on key kills by Illotti and Krzos. Alves countered with strong plays for Morningside, but critical service errors hindered their efforts as Mount Mercy maintained composure to take the set.

Mount Mercy wrapped up the match with a commanding 25-18 win in the fourth set. Illotti led the offense with key kills, including two pivotal points late in the set. Kehl Bauer added crucial assists and a service ace, while Morningside's attack errors helped Mount Mercy maintain their advantage and finish the match.

Illotti starred for Mount Mercy with a season-high 23 kills on 49 attempts. Kehl Bauer was pivotal with 59 assists and 19 digs. Richard Struska shone on defense, recording 21 digs, while Krzos contributed 11 kills and a .550 hitting percentage, along with three blocks.

For Morningside, Alves was a standout with 21.5 points, including 20 kills and 13 digs. Malu Wilcox orchestrated the offense with 35 assists and chipped in three kills. Palikapu Wilson was a force at the net with five blocks.