Graceland Volleyball Battles Tough in Straight-Set Loss to Baker

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets dropped a conference road match to Baker University in three sets Friday evening at the Collins Center. Despite the 25-14, 25-22, 25-19 result, Graceland showed grit, forcing key timeouts and creating offensive pressure against one of the Heart of America Athletic Conference's top teams.

With the loss, Graceland falls to 5-18 overall and 1-11 in Heart of America play, while Baker improves to 13-6 overall and 7-4 in conference action.

The Yellowjackets struggled to find offensive rhythm in the opening frame, hitting -.061 with six kills and eight errors. Baker capitalized early, using a combination of efficient side-out play and service pressure to build separation. Graceland responded in set two, earning an 11-8 advantage midway through the frame behind kills from Kaci Young and Grace Jensen, and a key block from Kaylee Baker. Baker regrouped following a timeout, closing the frame on a 6-2 run to hold off Graceland's charge.

"Baker is legit. Our whole conference is legit. We played well. Battled, played hard," said head coach Stew McDole. "Forced timeouts, brought two sets within range. The recruit who was here got it right—'it was exciting to watch—it must have been fun to play.' It was!"

In the final set, Graceland again pushed the Wildcats, cutting the deficit to 18-16 before a Baker run put the match out of reach. The Yellowjackets finished the match with a .036 hitting percentage on 111 attempts, while Baker hit .074 on 95 swings.

Kaci Young led Graceland with six kills, followed by Grace Jensen and Kaylee Baker with five and four respectively. Setter Allison Sander notched 11 assists, while Shaeniah La Fountain recorded a team-high 19 digs and three assists.

At the net, Graceland registered eight block assists and two solo blocks, led by Kaylee Baker and Kylee Dixon. The Yellowjackets also forced 16 service errors from Baker, while tallying two aces of their own.

Baker was led offensively by Brie Reedy and Aby Widhalm, each posting seven kills. The Wildcats' aggressive serving generated eight service aces, including three from Kate Reese, which proved to be difference-makers in momentum swings.

Graceland returns to action on Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. CDT, traveling to face Benedictine College (Kan.) in another conference matchup. First serve is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Ralph Nolan Gymnasium in Atchison, Kansas.

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