Yellowjackets Fall in Straight Sets to Dordt Despite Offensive Balance

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University men's volleyball team dropped a Heart of America Athletic Conference contest to Dordt (Iowa) in straight sets, 25-17, 25-19, 25-21, on Tuesday night at the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets move to 2-19 overall and 1-10 in conference play, while Dordt improves to 18-7 overall and 8-5 in the HAAC.

Graceland produced 38 kills on a .151 attack percentage, but struggled to limit errors against a Dordt squad that hit .273 as a team and totaled 10 blocks. The Yellowjackets opened each set with competitive stretches but were unable to sustain sideout efficiency late in rotations.

Elijah Kline led the attack with nine kills on a .286 hitting percentage, while Andrew Cziep added eight kills and Kaden Joseph contributed seven kills in a balanced offensive effort. Setters Luis Garcia and Nairod Fonseca combined for 32 assists, helping distribute the offense across multiple pins. Defensively, Graceland recorded 36 digs, with Cziep and Fonseca each posting six.

Dordt was paced by Cade Schmidt and Lance Vermeer, who combined for 17 kills and a .420-plus hitting efficiency, consistently terminating in-system swings. The Defenders also capitalized on key blocking sequences, including multiple late-set stops that halted Graceland runs.

"We saw better offensive distribution and some improved touches in serve-receive, but we need to be more efficient in transition and reduce unforced errors," head coach Eric Majors said. "This group continues to compete, and that growth will translate as we move forward."

Graceland remains at home for its next contest, hosting Ottawa on Saturday, March 21 at 1 p.m. CDT inside the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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