Eutectics Corral Mustangs in a Five-Set Heartbreaker

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Mount Mercy's men's volleyball team closed out their weekend road trip by falling to the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy Eutectics Saturday afternoon in a five-set battle. The Mustangs lost 3-2 to the Eutectics with set scores of 19-25, 30-28, 24-26, 25-18, and 14-16. 

In the opening set of the match, the Eutectics pulled away from the Mustangs after being tied 14-14 and allowed the Mustangs to hit .209 in the set, taking set one 25-19. Set two became the longest set of the match, with a set score of 30-28 that fell in favor of the Mustangs. Recording a .304 hitting percentage and 21 kills, the Mustangs would tie the match 1-1. 

In set three, there was a tight battle at 19-19 before the Eutectics edged out a 26-24 win to lead the match 2-1. The fourth set saw the Mustangs hitting their highest percentage of the match with .391 while recording 13 kills, aiding in a set victory for the Mustangs that sent the game to a deciding fifth set.

In a hard-fought fifth set, the Mustangs fell 16-14, despite hitting .300, as the Eutectics' .458 percentage proved too strong. 

The Mustangs, ending the match hitting .287, were led by Raphael Massara, hitting .600 in the match while recording 11 kills. Gabor Toth followed with a .350 hitting percentage and 10 kills, while Douglas Fofano contributed 16 kills, 12 digs, and a .333 hitting percentage. Rounding out the top attackers for the Mustangs are Matthew Krzos, hitting .280 with 10 kills, and Guglielmo Illotti recording 17 kills while hitting .214. 

Gustavo Bauer had a record-breaking game as he became the school's new program leader for the most assists in a match after recording 63. 

The Eutectics, ending the match hitting .294, were led by Cameron Werner with a .429 hitting percentage with 13 kills and Grant Hoover hitting .365 while also leading the Eutectics in kills with 24. RJ Dilks paced the Eutectic offensive attack with 59 assists. 

Mount Mercy (13-3, 8-2 Heart) will be back at home on Tuesday, March 11, as they host the Statesmen of William Penn starting at 7:00 p.m.