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Cross Plains Today
By the People, for the People
Mastodons Extend Winning Streak to Four with Victory Over Daemen
Purdue Fort Wayne's balanced offense and strong serving lead to 3-2 win in MIVA conference match
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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The Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons men's volleyball team continued their impressive run, securing a 3-2 victory over Daemen on Sunday, February 8, 2026. This win marks the team's fourth consecutive victory and solidifies their position in the Midwestern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIVA) conference.
Why it matters
The match highlights the increasing competitiveness within mid-major conferences like the MIVA, as teams rely on balanced offenses, strong serving, and adaptable strategies to gain an edge over their opponents. Purdue Fort Wayne's success positions them well in the conference, setting the stage for crucial upcoming matches against ranked opponents.
The details
A key moment in the first set saw the Mastodons leverage the serving prowess of Haven Wankerl, initiating a 7-0 run that propelled them to a 25-21 set win. While Logan Muir led the match with 18 kills, the Mastodons' success wasn't solely reliant on one player, as Carlo Huisden contributed 14 kills, demonstrating a balanced offensive approach. Daemen's ability to challenge Purdue Fort Wayne, forcing a five-set match, showcased their own competitive spirit, with a .417 hitting percentage in the second set and a match-high .429 clip in the fourth.
- The match took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026.
The players
Haven Wankerl
A senior middle blocker from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, who played a key role in the Mastodons' serving and scoring efforts.
Logan Muir
The Mastodons' leading scorer, recording 18 kills in the match.
Carlo Huisden
A key offensive contributor for the Mastodons, recording 14 kills in the match.
Raul Papaleo Jr.
The Mastodons' libero, who recorded a career-high six digs in the match.
Hunter Hopkins
The Mastodons' setter, who recorded 52 assists in the match.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
The Mastodons' 6-2 record and 1-0 standing in MIVA play signal a strong start to their conference schedule. The upcoming matches against No. 18 Lindenwood and No. 11 McKendree will be crucial tests as the team looks to maintain their momentum and position themselves for success in the highly competitive MIVA conference.
The takeaway
Purdue Fort Wayne's ability to win close matches, combined with a balanced roster and strong coaching, positions them well for success in the MIVA. The conference's increasing competitiveness promises exciting matchups and a high level of play throughout the season, with teams relying on innovative strategies and data analytics to gain an edge over their opponents.
