Graceland Honors Seniors in a Gritty Match Against Benedictine

LAMONI, Iowa — Graceland University's women's volleyball team delivered a spirited performance at the Morden Center on Friday night as they faced conference rival Benedictine College in a match that highlighted both skill and resilience. Despite falling to the Ravens in three sets (23-25, 17-25, 23-25), the Yellowjackets showcased determination and grit, embodying what Head Coach Stew McDole termed as "true Graceland volleyball."

The Yellowjackets came out strong in the first set, matching Benedictine's energy point-for-point, with senior Brenna Crabtree leading the offense. Crabtree put up 13 kills and showed strong front-line presence, accounting for key blocks alongside teammate Kylee Dixon, who added three blocks. Their front-row efforts allowed Graceland to stay competitive, pushing the Ravens in rallies that kept the crowd engaged.

While the Yellowjackets' initial 3-0 run in the first set set an early tone, a series of well-placed kills by Benedictine's Mahala Sewell and Maura Lickteig tipped the scales back to the Ravens. Graceland, however, answered with consistent serves from Sera Tofi and several well-timed kills from Crabtree and Grace Jensen. Defensive plays by Shelby Jabour, who recorded 14 digs, and effective setting from Hailey Kauweloa kept Graceland within reach throughout the set. Ultimately, the Ravens edged out the first set, finishing at 25-23.

In the second set, Graceland struggled to regain their momentum, particularly in light of Benedictine's improved offensive efficiency. The Ravens capitalized on Graceland's errors, notably benefiting from missed serves and attack errors. Despite valiant efforts from Crabtree and newcomer Jenthe Van Kastel, the Yellowjackets trailed and could not overcome Benedictine's nine-point lead, which culminated in a 17-25 set finish.

The third set saw a resurgence from the Yellowjackets, who rallied in front of their home crowd. Once again, Crabtree led the charge, with additional support from Kaci Young, who posted a remarkable .444 hitting percentage, marking her as a key offensive asset for the night. The set remained tight, with both teams trading points through long rallies. Graceland's defensive prowess shone, with freshman Kariana Hernandez Cruz tallying four digs and providing critical support from the back row. Down the stretch, Dixon and Baker contributed with vital blocks, closing gaps that Benedictine had exploited in previous sets. Despite the intensity, Benedictine clinched the match with a narrow 25-23 victory in the final set.

Reflecting on the team's performance, Head Coach Stew McDole stated, "We honestly had one of our best matches of the season and against a conference leader. We rallied every time it was necessary. It was true Graceland volleyball." McDole's words resonated with the crowd, capturing the essence of the Yellowjackets' performance, which balanced both experience and emerging talent.

Tonight's game was particularly memorable as it was also Graceland's Senior Night, honoring five dedicated players: Kyndal Garza, Brenna Crabtree, Sera Tofi, Marlis Aviles, and Sierra Kauweloa. These seniors have each contributed significantly to the program's growth, and their leadership was felt on and off the court in tonight's battle. Graceland will conclude its home season tomorrow, November 2, facing Park University at 5 p.m. in the Morden Center, before finishing the 2024 campaign with a road game at Peru State on Tuesday, November 5, at 7 p.m.

Graceland volleyball's determination tonight showcased a team committed to growth and resilience, honoring the contributions of its seniors while looking toward a promising future.

For more information on the Graceland volleyball team and all of Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.