2025 Men's Volleyball Season Preview
The Mount Mercy Mustangs men's volleyball team enters the 2025 season on the heels of their most successful campaign in program history. A 24-10 record and the team's first-ever national tournament appearance underscored a breakthrough 2024 season. As the Mustangs aim to build on that historic achievement, a mix of key returners and fresh faces will define their path forward in a competitive field.
Key Returners
Anchoring the Mustangs this season will be middle blocker Raphael Massara, pin hitter Brian Lynch, and senior outside hitter Kevin Fiedler. Massara proved to be a reliable force at the net in 2024, leading the team with a .399 hitting percentage and contributing 53 total blocks. His efficiency as a middle blocker will remain critical to the Mustangs' attack and defense.
Lynch adds versatility and power to the lineup, with 101 kills and a .263 hitting percentage in his sophomore season. His ability to perform in clutch moments will complement the team's offensive strategy. Meanwhile, Fiedler, a veteran presence, will look to provide leadership and consistency in his final year with the program.
Setter Maks Cabajewski also returns after a standout season, where he averaged 4.00 assists per set, often dictating the pace of play with his accurate distribution. His role in orchestrating the team's offense will be pivotal, especially as the Mustangs integrate new players.
Key Losses
The Mustangs will need to address significant departures, including outside hitter Akeel Oxley, middle blocker Bo Brainerd, and opposite hitter Alessandro Spendolini. Oxley led the team in kills per set (3.89) and points (377.5) while providing a dependable offensive spark throughout the season. Brainerd's contributions as a blocker (85 total blocks) and a scorer (2.01 kills per set) leave a void in the middle, while Spendolini's well-rounded play added depth and experience to the rotation.
Replacing their production will be a challenge, particularly in high-pressure matches where Oxley and Brainerd excelled. The team's ability to reload at these critical positions will be a determinant of their success in 2025.
New Additions and Depth
The Mustangs' 2025 roster features several newcomers poised to make an impact. Freshman Laurin Oldenburg, an outside hitter from Munich, Germany, brings international experience to the program and could contribute early as a primary hitter. Fellow international additions Gabor Toth (Hungary) and Gustavo Kehl Bauer (Brazil) add depth at outside hitter and setter, respectively. Their development will be vital as the Mustangs navigate a rigorous schedule.
Junior Matthew Krzos and senior Ryan Usher return to add depth at middle blocker, while sophomore setter Cabajewski will continue to lead the offense. The combination of experienced players and incoming talent gives the Mustangs flexibility in their rotations, with a focus on adapting to the evolving landscape of collegiate volleyball.
Statistical Highlights and Team Strategy
Last season, Mount Mercy excelled in offensive efficiency, recording a .292 team hitting percentage compared to their opponents' .169. Their balanced attack, featuring 12.20 kills per set and 11.36 assists per set, demonstrated their ability to sustain pressure throughout matches. The Mustangs also stood out in serving, with 273 aces on the year, averaging 2.42 aces per set.
Defensively, the team averaged 1.69 blocks per set and 8.82 digs per set. Despite these strong numbers, the Mustangs occasionally struggled against top-tier competition, particularly in matches requiring sustained defensive discipline. Improving their blocking and serve-receive efficiency will be critical areas of focus for 2025.
2025 Outlook
The Mustangs face a tough road ahead in their quest to return to the national tournament. The loss of Oxley and Brainerd's production puts pressure on returners like Massara, Lynch, and Fiedler to elevate their performances. Additionally, the development of newcomers such as Oldenburg and Toth will play a crucial role in filling the gaps left by last year's senior class.
Consistency in conference play will be a top priority. The Mustangs posted an 11-7 conference record in 2024 but dropped matches to several key rivals, including Missouri Baptist and Grand View. Building resilience in those tightly contested matches will be key to their success.
As the Mustangs open their 2025 campaign, the program's growth trajectory remains evident. Their 2024 national tournament berth demonstrated their potential to compete on a national stage, and the team now seeks to establish itself as a perennial contender. With a combination of proven leaders, emerging talent, and a clear focus on team execution, the Mustangs are poised to take another step forward this season.
The Mustangs kick off the season with a pair of home matches, starting January 23 against Viterbo, with first serve slated for 6 p.m.