DUBUQUE - The Mount Mercy men's volleyball team began the 2019 campaign Sunday by splitting two matches at the Loras College Triangular.

The Mustangs lost to Loras, 26-28, 25-17, 25-22, 26-24, in their first match in four sets. The Mustangs swept the Illinois Institute of Technology, 25-21, 25-16, 25-17, in their second outing.

Nikola Stoimenov had 12 kills for Mount Mercy against Loras. Julian Armendano collected 11 kills and eight digs. Andrew Colantone had 35 assists. Strahil Svilenski blocked four shots. Jamie Araiza had eight digs.

Stoimenov contributed 11 more kills against Illinois Tech. Ben Steffen had nine kills. Colontone amassed 31 assists and four blocks. Armendano had five digs and Svilenski had four blocks.

This is the third year for men's volleyball as a varsity sport at  Mount Mercy. The Mustangs went 2-26 in their first season in 2017 and were 16-11 last year.