Graceland Women’s Volleyball Ends Season with 3-1 Loss to Peru State

Peru, Neb. — In a season finale that encapsulated the year's journey, Graceland University's women's volleyball team fought hard but fell short in a 3-1 defeat against Peru State College on Tuesday evening. The match showcased the Yellowjackets' resilience as they clawed through each set, ultimately closing their 2024 campaign with a 5-24 overall record and 2-15 in conference play.

Despite the loss, Head Coach Stew McDole reflected on the effort and heart his players displayed, stating, "The match was well-contested, and we had opportunities. I thought it would go five sets and come down to the wire. It's a microcosm of our season. Sad to see it end, but I'm proud of the fight our players showed."

The Yellowjackets opened the match with intensity, taking the first set in a narrow 28-26 decision. Sophomore outside hitter Brenna Crabtree delivered a standout performance, leading Graceland with 18 kills and adding three block assists, contributing to her team-high 19.5 points. Graceland capitalized on key plays and maintained strong rallies, with setter Hailey Kauweloa coordinating the offense to register 18 assists on the night.

In the second set, Peru State (13-18, 7-10) rebounded with precision, hitting a .407 team percentage. The Bobcats limited Graceland to just 13 points in the set, despite strong defensive coverage from Shelby Jabour, who led the Yellowjackets with 13 digs. Peru State's attack was spearheaded by Kalolaine Pasikala, who achieved a match-high 10 kills with a .350 hitting percentage.

As Graceland pushed into the third and fourth sets, the Yellowjackets maintained close scoring margins but struggled to overcome Peru State's consistency. Graceland's Kaylee Baker contributed eight kills and a solo block, while Crabtree and Grace Jensen consistently challenged Peru State's front line. Defensive missteps and unforced errors, however, allowed the Bobcats to take advantage, securing a 25-23 win in the third set and finishing the match with a 25-21 victory in the fourth.

The Yellowjackets displayed commendable efforts in each set, with several players stepping up at pivotal moments. Defensive specialist Marlis Aviles added three service aces, providing Graceland with a brief edge in the first set, while Sierra Kauweloa chipped in with two service aces and 14 digs. Sophomore middle blocker Kylee Dixon also recorded three blocks in her efforts to slow Peru State's offense.

Graceland struggled to find offensive consistency, ending the night with a collective .013 hitting percentage. The team recorded 40 kills against 155 total attacks, often stymied by Peru State's blocking. The Bobcats amassed 16 block assists, which frequently challenged Graceland's attackers.

"We had some flashes of great volleyball tonight," Coach McDole noted. "Our players never questioned the program's direction and competed all season long. It didn't end the way we hoped, but we have a lot to be proud of."

The match not only marked the conclusion of the Yellowjackets' season but also highlighted key areas for growth as the program heads into the off-season. As Graceland looks toward recruitment and building on the foundation set this year, the team remains committed to cultivating a culture of hard work and grit.

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