Schmalz, Padilla lead RV Mustangs over Graceland

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Morningside men's volleyball team found its way back to the win column Tuesday, defeating Graceland in four sets.

The RV Mustangs won by set scores of 25-14, 25-13, 25-27, and 25-15.

Overall, the Mustangs (7-4, 3-3 Heart of America) hit .292 against the Yellowjackets, including two of those where they hit over .400.

After allowing the opening point, Morningside immediately tied and led the rest of the set. The Mustangs scored five straight points. Natan Alves had two kills, while Ian Smith had one. Mohamed Benkrid also had a service ace in that run. Benkrid earned a kill to clinch the first set.

Morningside then had two six-point rallies in the second set, and led by as many as 14.

In the fourth set, the Mustangs jumped out to a 12-4 run. Michael Padilla had three kills during that stretch. Smith and Padilla closed out the night with a block at the net.

Kirby Schmalz led the Mustangs with 12 kills. He hit .360 and committed just three errors. Padilla wound up with nine kills.

Donte Jennings had 26 assists, followed by 14 from Gabe Schreck.

The Mustangs had four aces. Other than Benkrid's ace in the first, the other three came from Schreck, Padilla, and Tucker Juhnke. Juhnke also led Morningside with 12 digs.

Tharen Cox had a solo block.