JAMESTOWN DOWN

By Brandon Petersen

No. 14 Westcliff men's volleyball opened the 2026 season with a straight-sets victory over Jamestown on Thursday afternoon at the Park Invitational, earning a 25–23, 25–16, 25–22 win in Parkville, Missouri.

Jamestown, a former NAIA program now competing at the NCAA Division II level, tested Westcliff early, but the Warriors' experience and depth showed as the match progressed.

Westcliff hit .239 as a team and controlled the middle sets despite 21 service errors that kept the opening set tighter than necessary.

Veteran senior Gabriel Pizza, one of the most recognizable athletes in Westcliff history, led the attack with 14 kills on .417 hitting while adding five digs.

Westcliff's middle blockers Tiago Silva and M'hamed Mifdal combined for nine kills and six block assists, helping stabilize the net and create separation in sets two and three.

Head coach Alex Griffiths said Pizza's all-around impact set the tone in the season opener.

"Pizza was huge in today's win, making an impact in every aspect of the game," Griffiths said. "Our middles stepped up as well, giving us depth and strength on both sides of the ball. Opening the season with a win over Jamestown sets the tone moving forward."

Setter Nikos Kalagasidis directed the offense with 24 assists, while libero Sebastian Ignaczak anchored the back row with nine digs.

Westcliff finished with 39 kills and 13 total blocks, holding Jamestown to a .039 hitting percentage.

The Warriors entered the season ranked No. 14 in the NAIA after capturing last year's Cal Pac regular-season title.

Westcliff improved to 1–0 on the season and will continue play at the Park Invitational Friday with an 8 a.m. first-serve against Governors State (RV) and a noon match with Reinhardt of Georgia (RV).

Saturday the Dubs will face Morningside of Missouri and No. 8, the host Pirates.