Women’s Volleyball Takes on St. Ambrose in Season Opener
LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University women's volleyball team opened the 2024 season at home against St. Ambrose University on Tuesday evening. The Yellowjackets fell in four sets (17-25, 25-27, 25-21, 24-26), starting the year with an 0-1 record.
Set 1: St. Ambrose 25, Graceland 17 – Graceland jumped out to a 6-4 lead behind an early kill from Malia Kelly, followed by back-to-back kills from Brenna Crabtree and a first career kill from freshman Jenthe Van Kastel off a set by Sera Tofi. However, St. Ambrose responded with a seven-point run to take a 16-9 lead. The Yellowjackets closed the gap to 16-14 behind strong serving from Sierra Kauweloa, including a service ace and contributions from Crabtree (kill and block) and Kaylee Baker (kill). The Fighting Bees then regained control to take the set.
Set 2: St. Ambrose 27, Graceland 25 – St. Ambrose opened the second set with a 19-9 advantage. A St. Ambrose error handed the serve to Madi Bratlie, who responded with an ace to spark a rally. Graceland closed the gap behind kills from Crabtree (set by Hailey Kauweloa), blocks from Kylee Dixon and Van Kastel, and a momentum-building service run from Kariana Hernandez. The Yellowjackets tied the set late, but St. Ambrose closed it out with the final three points.
Set 3: Graceland 25, St. Ambrose 21 – Graceland kept the pressure on in the third set, trading points with the Bees early before taking control. A kill by Sierra Kauweloa (assist from Hailey Kauweloa), followed by strong attacks from Kelly and Baker, helped the Yellowjackets gain separation. Baker sealed the set with a kill to give GU its first set win of the year.
Set 4: St. Ambrose 26, Graceland 24 – The fourth set featured a back-and-forth battle, with neither team leading by more than three points. Graceland tied the match at 23-23 with a key block from Dixon and Baker. However, St. Ambrose responded with consecutive kills to take the set and the match, 3-1.
Graceland Leaders:
Digs: Shelby Jabour – 20
Kills: Brenna Crabtree – 19
Service Aces: Madi Bratlie – 4
Blocks: Kaylee Baker – 4.5 (2 solo, 5 assists)
St. Ambrose Leaders:
Digs: Kenia Diaz Vega – 27
Kills: Grace Beitzel – 21
Service Aces: Four players – 1 each
Blocks: Trenyce Bonner – 1.5
Up Next: Graceland returns to action on Friday, August 23, at the Missouri Valley Invitational in Marshall, Mo. The Yellowjackets will face Tabor College at 7:00 p.m.