Record-Breaking Effort by Illotti Comes in Season-Ending Defeat

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy (23-5) fell in a tense five-set match against Saint Xavier (IL) (30-3) with a final score of 2-3 at the Alliant Energy PowerHouse on Thursday. Despite the Mustangs' strong performance in the third set, the Cougars secured the victory with a decisive 15-13 score in the final set of the NAIA National Championship Pool C matchup.

Mount Mercy capitalized on Saint Xavier's early errors, including two service errors and multiple attack errors, to establish an initial lead in the first period. Guglielmo Illotti's offensive performance proved pivotal, as he contributed multiple kills, effectively supported by assists from Gustavo Kehl Bauer. Despite a late push from Saint Xavier, highlighted by kills from Tysen Myers and Matt Pennala, the Mustangs maintained their advantage, closing the period with a 25-22 victory.

The Mustangs struggled to contain Saint Xavier's offense in the second period, as the Cougars capitalized on a series of errors and effective kills to secure a 25-16 advantage. Cameron Daniels facilitated the Cougars' attack with multiple assists, contributing to Caydann Cox's four kills.

Mount Mercy's efforts were hampered by five attack errors and three service errors, which allowed Saint Xavier to build and maintain a decisive lead. Illotti led the Mustangs with three kills, but it was insufficient to close the gap.

Mount Mercy edged past Saint Xavier in the third period with a 25-22 victory, fueled by Illotti's decisive kills. Illotti recorded five kills, including the clinching point, with assists from Kehl Bauer, who facilitated multiple key plays. The Mustangs capitalized on Saint Xavier's service errors, while securing two service aces to maintain a narrow lead throughout the set. The set concluded with Mount Mercy holding a slight advantage, setting the stage for the subsequent period.

The Mustangs faced a challenging fourth period as Saint Xavier capitalized on errors to pull ahead with a 25-13 victory. Despite Illotti's strong performance with five kills and contributions from Kehl Bauer's assists, Mount Mercy struggled with service errors and attack errors, which the Cougars converted into points. Cox's offensive prowess, with four kills and two service aces, helped Saint Xavier maintain their lead throughout the set.

Mount Mercy battled in a tense fifth set, but ultimately fell to Saint Xavier 15-13. Kehl Bauer facilitated multiple key plays with assists on five kills, including critical points from Curdin Acklin and Illotti. Despite a late surge that tied the score at 9-9, the Mustangs struggled with attack errors, contributing to Saint Xavier's ability to maintain a slim lead. Daniels was instrumental for the Cougars, setting up crucial kills, including four by Cox, which proved decisive.

Illotti led the Mustangs' offense with a remarkable 33 kills on 66 attempts, setting a new school and personal record, and finishing with a .348 hitting percentage and 34 total points. Kehl Bauer contributed significantly to the team's playmaking, recording 54 assists over the course of the match. Richard Struska proved to be a key defensive asset, collecting 24 digs. Gabor Toth made a notable impact at the net, posting nine kills and adding four block assists.

Cox led the way for the Cougars with a standout performance, registering 26 kills on 54 attempts for a hitting percentage of .463. Cox also contributed significantly at the service line with three aces and added six digs and three total blocks, accumulating 31.0 points.

Daniels facilitated the offense with 58 assists and anchored the defense with 12 digs. Pennala was a key offensive contributor with 15 kills and added defensive strength with five block assists, totaling 18.5 points. Myers proved effective at the net with nine total blocks, including a solo block, and added eight kills on a .421 hitting percentage.

The Mustangs closed out their season with a record of 23-5.