Mustangs Suffer First Setback of 2026 Season, Rebound Against Central Christian

MARSHALL, Mo. – Just a day removed from setting a new team record for hitting percentage in a four-set match, the Mustangs did it again, hitting .381 in a 3-1 win over Central Christian. Morningside went 1-1 on the day, falling to Ottawa University of Arizona 3-0 in the morning's opener.

Natan Alves led Morningside's attack against the Tigers, with 11 kills. Mohamed Benkrid and Ferdinando Vinti followed close behind with 10 each. Benkrid had 10 to lead against OUAZ, while Alves had nine. 

Draider Wilcox and Lucca Stoelinga split setting duties on the day, as Wilcox tallied 27 assists against Central Christian and 15 against the Spirit, while Stoelinga had 23 and 11.

At the net, it was Palikapu Wilson, Edoardo Pirazzo, and Alves that led the defense, with three block assists apiece against Central Christian. Pirazzo had a solo block and a pair of block assists and Wilson had two block assists against OUAZ. Gabe Schreck and Tucker Juhnke emerged as leaders in the back row, each with 15 digs against the Tigers. Juhnke also led the team against OUAZ with nine.

Morningside heads home following this weekend's tournament, opening a series of seven home games on Friday at 2 p.m. as the Mustangs face a first-year Hastings program for the second time this season.