Graceland Volleyball Secures Five-Set Win Over Haskell

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University women's volleyball team earned a five-set victory over Haskell Indian Nations University, rallying late to take control in a back-and-forth non-conference match on Tuesday night at the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets won by set scores of 23-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-20, 15-10, improving to 4-7 overall on the season. Haskell dropped to 1-8.

Graceland's win was anchored by a balanced offensive attack and timely service pressure. The Yellowjackets tallied 52 total kills and hit .184, while out-digging Haskell 57 to 52. The team also registered 15 service aces and 7 blocks.

"It was a good learning experience for us," said Head Coach Stew McDole. "Haskell is better than everyone thinks they are. They are excellent defenders and passers. They serve well. We were fortunate to always be in the mix. We got out in sets 4 and 5 and played composed volleyball. A good learning experience for us. And nice to get a win."

Kaci Young led all Graceland attackers with 13 kills on 39 swings, while hitting .231. She also contributed a block solo and a service ace, totaling 15 points. Evie Caresia and Kaylee Baker each added 11 kills, with Baker hitting at a team-best .353 efficiency and adding two solo blocks.

Setter Allison Sander dished out 20 assists, scored three aces, and added four digs and no reception errors, maintaining steady offensive rhythm throughout the match. Kariana Hernandez Cruz recorded a match-high 28 assists, distributing sets to five different hitters and adding two aces and five digs.

Graceland started slowly in the opening frame, hitting .000 with 8 kills and 8 errors. Haskell capitalized on Yellowjacket miscues, earning a 25-23 first-set win behind Tressa Jim's five kills. The Yellowjackets bounced back in the second set, attacking at a blistering .414 clip, fueled by six kills from Young and solid service runs by Madi Bratlie and Sander. Graceland pulled away late for a 25-20 second-set win.

In the third set, Graceland again struggled to slow down Jim, who notched a match-high 16 kills overall. Haskell hit .304 in the frame, reclaiming the lead with a 25-19 win. But the Yellowjackets found their form in the fourth, led by Caresia and Baker, and turned defense into points through a mix of soft blocks and aggressive transitions. The 25-20 fourth-set victory forced a decisive fifth.

Graceland opened set five with renewed energy. A service ace by Hernandez Cruz, followed by kills from Caresia and Young, helped the Yellowjackets surge ahead. Up 8-7 at the switch, Graceland closed on a 7-3 run, finishing the set 15-10 with Baker's final kill sealing the match.

Graceland also saw strong contributions from Grace Jensen, who finished with 10 kills, 15 digs, 2 service aces, and 2 block assists. Kylee Dixon added 7 kills, hitting .385, and contributed three block assists. Bratlie served six aces, applying consistent back-line pressure during crucial rotations.

Defensively, Faith Case and Ella Thomas combined for 14 digs, while the front-row effort led to 11 total blocks (7 solo, 4 assists) across the match.

For Haskell, Tressa Jim led with 16 kills on 36 attempts (.222) and added 3 service aces. Setter Jaspen Ellenwood tallied 17 assists, while libero Darrilyn Tessay anchored the back row with 15 digs. Despite hitting just .101 as a team, Haskell recorded 6 service aces and 8 blocks, often disrupting Graceland's rhythm.

With the win, Graceland improved to 4-7 overall, while Haskell fell to 1-8. Both teams entered the night 0-0 in conference play, but this matchup served as a final tune-up before league competition.

Up next, Graceland begins Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play on Friday, September 5, hosting William Woods University (MO). First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM CDT at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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