Yellowjackets Fall in Three Sets at MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart Action
OLATHE, Kan. — Graceland University women's volleyball was defeated in straight sets (25-18, 25-15, 25-18) by MidAmerica Nazarene University Saturday morning in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Graceland moves to 4-15 overall and 0-8 in conference, while the Pioneers improve to 11-4 and 6-1 in HAAC play.
The Yellowjackets showed stretches of competitive execution, particularly in side-out efficiency and transitional swings, but were ultimately unable to overcome MidAmerica Nazarene's consistent service pressure and high-percentage offense.
"MidAm is good. And well rounded," said head coach Stew McDole. "They play the new style recovery defense (which all of us are trying to master) well. We competed in each set. And have that clear capability. We know the challenge: consistent mental and physical execution."
Match Summary
Graceland totaled 25 kills on 95 attempts and committed 19 attack errors for a team hitting percentage of .063. Sophomore Kaci Young led all Yellowjackets with 10 kills and added a team-high 10.5 points. Middle hitter Kylee Dixon was effective at the net with four kills and a team-leading .300 hitting percentage on 10 swings.
The Yellowjackets also tallied 5 service aces, but 12 service errors undermined offensive rhythm. Graceland's serve-receive line conceded 10 aces while dealing with a variety of deep and short serves that disrupted offensive timing.
Defensively, libero Shaeniah La Fountain recorded 11 digs, while Grace Jensen added 10 digs from the back row. Graceland managed 4 block assists as a unit, with Evie Caresia and Ella Thomas each contributing two.
Set Breakdown
Set 1: MidAmerica Nazarene 25, Graceland 18
Graceland came out composed and matched MNU point-for-point through the early rotations. Allison Sander delivered back-to-back service aces to give the Jackets a 10-9 lead before the Pioneers rattled off a six-point swing. Despite kills from Young and Dixon, Graceland was unable to close the gap late.
Set 2: MidAmerica Nazarene 25, Graceland 15
MidAmerica Nazarene controlled set two from the service line, capitalizing on Graceland errors and limiting first-ball attack opportunities. The Jackets committed six attack errors and five service errors in the frame, while the Pioneers used a balanced offense to maintain a safe cushion.
Set 3: MidAmerica Nazarene 25, Graceland 18
The third set saw a surge from Graceland, including a 4-0 run sparked by kills from Young and Caresia, and another service ace from La Fountain. The Jackets closed to within four late, but MNU closed the match with a three-point run.
Team Leaders – Graceland
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Kaci Young: 10 kills, .167 hitting percentage, 10.5 points
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Kylee Dixon: 4 kills, .300 hitting percentage
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Evie Caresia: 4 kills, 2 block assists
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Allison Sander: 10 assists, 2 service aces, 2 digs
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Shaeniah La Fountain: 11 digs, 1 ace
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Grace Jensen: 10 digs, 1 ace
As a team, Graceland recorded 32 total points, but allowed 46 from the opponent. The Yellowjackets struggled in side-out situations, and the Pioneers' offensive tempo created consistent one-on-one blocking challenges.
MidAmerica Nazarene Statistical Highlights
MNU hit .214 as a team with 32 kills on 84 attempts and just 14 errors. Maddie Schmidt led the Pioneers with 7 kills and a .462 hitting percentage. Isabella Munari added 6 kills on .417 efficiency, and Avery Lowe also chipped in 6 kills.
Setter Callie Winebarger controlled the flow with 15 assists and tallied 3 service aces, while defensive specialist Emily Mathis anchored the back row with 15 digs and two aces. MNU posted 10 service aces, won the serve-pass battle, and kept Graceland on the defensive throughout the match.
Looking Ahead
Graceland will return home to Lamoni, Iowa, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to host Clarke University (IA) in Heart of America conference action. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CDT at the Morden Center.
For more information on Graceland women's volleyball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.