Graceland Falls in Four-Set Heartbreaker at Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Graceland University men's volleyball team (2-17, 1-8 Heart of America Athletic Conference) pushed host Clarke (5-13, 2-10 HAAC) to the limit Friday night but ultimately dropped a four-set conference match, 25-27, 28-26, 25-23, 25-23, at Clarke's gymnasium in Dubuque. The contest marked a tightly contested league matchup featuring extended rallies, multiple lead changes and strong offensive performances from both sides.

Graceland established early rhythm in the opening set behind effective transition offense and a balanced attack. The Yellowjackets jumped out to a 4-0 lead highlighted by a service ace from Nairod Fonseca and a kill from Hawk Richard off the assist. Clarke battled back late, tying the frame at 24-24 before Graceland secured the set on consecutive Clarke errors to claim the 27-25 opening victory.

The Pride responded in the second set, using efficient attacking and strong serving pressure to erase several Graceland rallies. Despite kills from Andrew Cziep and Kalanikapu Aona that kept the Yellowjackets within striking distance, Clarke closed the set 28-26 to even the match at one set apiece.

In the third frame, Graceland generated a sustained run midway through the set sparked by middle production and effective blocking at the net. The Yellowjackets built a 23-21 advantage before Clarke mounted a late surge, scoring the final four points to take the set 25-23 and move ahead in the match.

The fourth set featured another competitive stretch, with Graceland holding a 22-23 deficit late after kills from Nick English and Hawk Richard kept the Yellowjackets within one. Clarke closed the match with consecutive points to secure the 25-23 final set and the conference victory.

Offensively, Andrew Cziep and Kalanikapu Aona each led Graceland with 12 kills, while Hawk Richard added 10 kills and three block assists. The Yellowjackets recorded 51 total kills on a .219 hitting percentage and totaled 49 assists, including 26 assists from Nairod Fonseca and 21 from Luis Garcia. Defensively, Benjamin Gorton-Hülgerth posted a team-high 11 digs, while Richard added 10 digs for the back-row effort.

"We competed well in stretches and executed our system early, especially in the first set," head coach Eric Majors said. "Our serve-receive and transition offense gave us opportunities, but we need to sustain that level through the entire match. The group continues to work, and we're seeing progress as we build consistency."

Graceland will continue conference play on Saturday, March 14, traveling to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to face Mount Mercy. First serve is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CDT at Hennessey Rec Center.

For more information on Graceland men's volleyball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.