Morningside wins 11 of 12 events over Iowa Lakes

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Morningside University men's swim team opened its 2025–26 campaign in dominant fashion Saturday, defeating Iowa Lakes 152-37 in the Hindman-Hobbs Center. The Mustangs won in 11 of 12 events. 

Senior Santiago Vilches highlighted the day with a win in the 1000-yard freestyle (10:14.62) and a provisional NAIA qualifying time of 47.37 in the 100 freestyle. Junior John Spicer posted another provisional cut in the 50 freestyle (21.38) and later anchored the winning 200-yard freestyle relay (1:27.42).

Freshman Alessandro Zoccolan impressed in his Morningside debut, claiming the 500-yard freestyle (4:56.39) and finishing second in the 100 butterfly (52.92). Junior Jake Bolda added an individual win in the 200 individual medley (2:03.91) and swam on the victorious 200 medley relay team alongside Zoccolan, Jack LaRue, and Keaten Rieken (1:40.86).

Junior Alejandro Plaza won the 200 freestyle (1:53.16), and freshman Melle van Veen added runner-up finishes in the 1000 and 100 freestyle events.

Morningside will next host the Mustang Invitational Nov. 9–10 as the Mustangs look to add more national-level qualifying marks.