Graceland Volleyball Falls to Culver-Stockton in Straight Sets

CANTON, Mo. — The Graceland University women's volleyball team dropped a conference match against Culver-Stockton College in straight sets (14-25, 23-25, 18-25) on Tuesday evening at Charles Field House. The Yellowjackets now hold a 1-9 record on the season and are 0-1 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play.

Despite a spirited effort, Graceland struggled offensively, finishing with a .020 hitting percentage for the match. Brenna Crabtree led the Yellowjackets with seven kills on 28 attempts, while Kaylee Baker contributed five kills with a .167 hitting percentage. Graceland managed 19 total kills but committed 19 attack errors, preventing them from building any momentum.

In the first set, Graceland was unable to find its rhythm, hitting -.111 as Culver-Stockton capitalized on early errors. The Wildcats opened with a commanding 10-1 lead and cruised to a 25-14 set win.

The second set saw the Yellowjackets rebound with improved play, posting a .028 hitting percentage. Graceland took an early lead, but Culver-Stockton's offense, led by Ashleigh Brawley and Victoria Pollard, eventually leveled the score. A late surge from the Wildcats secured the set 25-23, despite the Yellowjackets holding them at 13-13 and tying the set at 23-23.

Graceland continued to battle in the third set but was again outmatched by Culver-Stockton's attack. The Yellowjackets managed to hit .105 in the set, their best performance of the match, but Culver-Stockton pulled away to seal the match with a 25-18 victory.

Defensively, Graceland totaled 40 digs, with Crabtree adding 12 to her contributions, while Kylee Dixon and Sierra Kauweloa each tallied three blocks. Service errors proved costly for the Yellowjackets, who committed 17, compared to the Wildcats' six.

Head Coach Stew McDole acknowledged the team's challenges, stating, "We got bested by a very good Culver-Stockton team tonight. We will head back to the drawing board and continue to improve."

The Graceland women's volleyball team has a week off before hosting William Penn next Tuesday, September 17th, inside the Morden Center at 7pm.

Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of the Graceland women's volleyball team and all of Jacket athletics.