Mount Mercy Sweeps Graceland in HAAC Men’s Volleyball Match

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Graceland University men's volleyball team (2-18, 1-9 HAAC) dropped a three-set conference match Saturday morning to Mount Mercy (15-2, 10-2 HAAC) at the Hennessey Recreation Center, falling 25-14, 25-16, 30-28 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

Graceland battled throughout the match but struggled to establish consistent offensive efficiency against a disciplined Mount Mercy block and defensive system. The Yellowjackets finished with 23 kills on 89 total attacks for a .067 hitting percentage, while the Mustangs posted 44 kills and a .240 team attack percentage across the three sets.

In the opening set, Mount Mercy established tempo early through its transition offense and service pressure. The Mustangs used multiple scoring runs to build separation before closing the frame 25-14. Graceland recorded one kill and eight attacking errors in the set as Mount Mercy capitalized on several defensive stops.

The second set featured improved offensive rhythm from the Yellowjackets, who produced nine kills with a .200 hitting percentage. However, Mount Mercy continued to generate points through its outside attack and middle blocking presence, maintaining control en route to a 25-16 decision.

Graceland delivered its strongest performance in the third set, engaging in an extended rally exchange that featured 13 kills on 39 swings. The Yellowjackets held multiple late-set opportunities before Mount Mercy closed the match with a 30-28 victory.

Nairod Fonseca led the Graceland offense with six kills on a .600 hitting percentage while also distributing 11 assists in the setter rotation. Hawk Richard added four kills, six digs and two block assists, while Kalanikapu Aona contributed four kills and three block assists at the net. Defensively, Benjamin Gorton-Hülgerth recorded a team-high six digs.

Head coach Eric Majors emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline in system play despite the result.

"Mount Mercy executed well and forced us into some difficult situations offensively," Majors said. "Our focus moving forward is improving our first contact and maintaining tempo in transition. This group continues to compete, and we're working toward building consistency after earning our second win earlier this season."

Graceland will return to action on Tuesday, March 17, hosting Dordt (IA) in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m. CDT at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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