Wilcox action photo of him setting the ball with score graphics.
February 7, 2026

Mustangs earn two four-set wins, improve to 12-1

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — While the Morningside men’s volleyball team isn’t shying away from celebrating the winningest start in program history, the Mustangs also know there is still more to accomplish.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa — While the Morningside men's volleyball team isn't shying away from celebrating the winningest start in program history, the Mustangs also know there is still more to accomplish.

Morningside won both of its Saturday matches in four sets against Jamestown and Viterbo at Allee Gym, improving to 12-1 ahead of the start of Heart of America Conference play this week.

"The only way to rewrite history is to continue what we're doing," head coach Noah Marasco-Ayau said. "We're sitting in a really good place, but the work isn't done yet. I hope everyone gets a glimpse of the talent and people we have on this team."

Marasco-Ayau credited the Mustangs' hot start not only to talent, but also to the effort and buy-in shown throughout the offseason.

"We brought some guys in who were willing to listen and buy in early," Marasco-Ayau said. "As long as our guys believe in the system, implement it and teach it to the young guys, things are going to continue to move in the right direction."

Morningside def. Jamestown 25-13, 25-20, 21-25, 25-16

The Mustangs set the tone early, hitting .591 in the opening set and .520 in the second. Morningside finished the match with a .370 hitting percentage.

A decisive 20-5 rally swung momentum in the Mustangs' favor, with 11 kills during the run — three apiece from Mauro Verstraeten and Natan Alves. Jaime Alvarez closed the first set with a kill off an assist from Gabe Schreck.

Morningside scored four straight midway through the second set behind two kills from Mohamed Benkrid, who has emerged as the Mustangs' No. 2 hitter this season.

"He may not have the size, but he understands if the gap is open, he's going to take it," Marasco-Ayau said of Benkrid.

Palikapu Wilson ended the second set with a kill assisted by Lucca Stoelinga. The Mustangs later used a 7-3 run late in the fourth set to close out the Jimmies, with Alves sealing the match with a service ace.

Alves led Morningside with 15 kills, while Edoardo Pirazzo added eight. Benkrid and Ferdinando Vinti each finished with seven.

"The team bought in really well, and we played amazing," Alves said. "We're playing so well together. We're executing the simple stuff and doing the right things."

Draider Wilcox recorded 18 assists, followed by Stoelinga with 17. Tucker Juhnke paced the defense with 14 digs, while Alves posted a double-double with 11 digs. Benkrid and Wilson each recorded a solo block, while Wilson and Verstraeten added two assisted blocks.

Morningside def. Viterbo 25-19, 25-21, 23-25, 25-16

Four Mustangs reached double-digit kills as Morningside totaled 60 for the match. Alves and Benkrid led the way with 16 and 15 kills, respectively, while Verstraeten finished with 12 and Michael Padilla added 10. Verstraeten went 12-for-19 from the floor.

Wilcox directed the offense with 28 assists, while Stoelinga contributed 24. Braden Maneja led the Mustangs with 18 digs, and Juhnke followed with 17.

Morningside won five of seven rallies late in the opening set to create separation, with Pirazzo and Padilla delivering back-to-back kills to close the frame.

The Mustangs ended the second set by winning four of the final five rallies, capped by a kill from Alvarez. In the fourth set, Morningside led by as many as 10 points, with Verstraeten ending the match on a kill assisted by Stoelinga.