GU Falls to No. 10 Missouri Baptist Despite Strong Third-Set Performance
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets (4-9, 0-2 Heart of America Athletic Conference) dropped a four-set match to No. 10 Missouri Baptist (9-2, 1-0) Saturday afternoon at the Morden Center. The Spartans controlled most of the match, winning 25-13, 25-16, 20-25, 25-12, but Graceland showed resilience with a standout performance in the third set.
Graceland's offense struggled early, hitting -.027 in the first set and .148 in the second, as Missouri Baptist used aggressive serving and consistent side-out execution to take a 2-0 lead. The Yellowjackets responded with a .517 team hitting percentage in the third set — their best of the match — showcasing an effective attack led by Ella Thomas (8 kills, .150) and Kylee Dixon (7 kills, .333).
"Baptist is good. Worthy of their top 10 ranking," said Graceland head coach Stew McDole. "At the same time they have the serve/pass challenges that every team faces. We must play well in all phases of the game to succeed at that level. In set 3 we proved we can."
Missouri Baptist opened the match with a commanding 25-13 first set, leveraging a +10 kill advantage and .278 hitting percentage. Allana Capella recorded 9 kills with 6 aces and led all scorers with 16.5 total points. The Spartans served 11 aces and posted a .295 team hitting percentage across the match.
The Yellowjackets found rhythm in the third, taking control with a late-set service run that featured back-to-back aces from Allison Sander and balanced swings from Grace Jensen (8 kills) and Kaci Young (5 kills). Graceland built a lead at 23-19 and sealed the frame 25-20 on a kill from Young, marking their most complete sequence of the afternoon.
However, Missouri Baptist regrouped in the fourth, surging ahead on an 8-0 run behind Capella's service pressure. The Yellowjackets struggled in serve-receive and hit -.321 as Missouri Baptist clinched the set and match, 25-12.
In addition to the offensive leaders, Sander contributed 14 assists and 2 aces, while Kariana Hernandez Cruz tallied 10 assists and 2 digs in the setting rotation. Kaylee Baker added 2 aces and was part of a blocking unit that posted 9 team blocks, led by Dixon's 4 block assists. Defensively, Madi Bratlie led all players with 11 digs.
Graceland's total team stats included 35 kills, 26 errors on 121 attempts (.074), five service aces, 10 service errors, and 40 digs. Missouri Baptist posted 45 kills, 14 errors on 105 attempts (.295), 11 aces, seven service errors, and 48 digs. The Spartans held a clear advantage in serve efficiency and side-out percentage, particularly in the opening two sets.
The loss drops Graceland to 0-2 in Heart of America play, with both matches coming against NAIA top-25 opponents. Despite the setback, McDole emphasized the team's growth. "In set 3, we were poised and aggressive. That is the level of execution we need to replicate."
Up Next:
Graceland returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 9, when they host William Penn University (IA) in a conference matchup. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m. CDT at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland women's volleyball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.