Graceland Volleyball Drops Straight-Set Match at University of Saint Mary

Leavenworth, KS -Graceland University women's volleyball dropped a non-conference road match Tuesday afternoon at the University of Saint Mary, falling in straight sets (13-25, 21-25, 18-25) at the Ryan Sports Center. With the loss, Graceland moves to 2-3 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Saint Mary improves to 6-2 (0-0 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference).

The Yellowjackets showed periods of balance in transition play and floor defense but were hindered by 16 service errors and inconsistent execution at the service line. Graceland hit .152 as a team, with 23 total kills and 9 attack errors over three sets.

Sophomore Kaci Young led all Graceland attackers with 7 kills on 24 attempts (.292) and added 2 block assists to total 7.0 points. Senior Kylee Dixon added 5 kills on 10 swings (.500) with a block assist. Senior Kaylee Baker contributed 3 kills, 3 block assists, and a service ace, recording 5.5 points overall.

Sophomore setter Kariana Hernandez Cruz guided the Yellowjackets with 13 assists and added a service ace and block assist. Defensively, freshman libero Shaeniah La Fountain led with 11 digs and added a service ace. Senior Madi Bratlie chipped in 6 digs, providing support in the backcourt.

Graceland started strong, opening the first set with a 3-1 lead on kills by Young and Dixon. But Saint Mary answered with a 9-1 run, capitalizing on Graceland's five early service errors and six ball-handling violations to win the set 25-13.

Set two showed better rhythm for Graceland, who hit .057 as a team and pulled within 20-22 after a kill from Dixon. However, Saint Mary closed out the frame with a 3-1 run, aided by an ace and back-to-back Yellowjacket attack errors, securing the 25-21 win.

In set three, Graceland briefly regained the lead at 3-2 following an early kill from Young. Despite that edge, Saint Mary's service consistency disrupted Graceland's serve receive, allowing the Spires to regain momentum. Kills from sophomore Evie Caresia (Lawson, Mo.) and Young helped narrow the deficit to 21-16, but Saint Mary finished with a 4-2 run to win the set and match.

The Yellowjackets posted 38 total digs, 6 team blocks, and 22 assists, limiting Saint Mary to a .211 hitting percentage but struggling to convert extended rallies due to unforced errors and serve-receive challenges.

Following the match, head coach Stew McDole highlighted the learning moments as his team continues early-season development:

"St. Mary tonight was our best opponent to date," said McDole. "They run a low-error offensive system that doesn't require great ball control, and they have the swings to make it work. We made adjustments that made it clear we can play. A chapter in our evolution as a team."

Graceland returns to action at home on Thursday, Aug. 28, when they host Southwestern College (Kan.) at 7:30 p.m. inside Morden Center.

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