Graceland Falls to Morningside in Three-Set Road Loss

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The Graceland University men's volleyball team fell in straight sets Tuesday night to Morningside, 25-23, 25-13, 25-21, at RVSC-Allee Gym. Graceland moves to 1-14 overall and 0-5 in conference play, while Morningside improves to 15-3 overall and 4-2 in the GPAC, according to the official box score .

Graceland totaled 28 kills on 101 attack attempts, finishing with a .050 team hitting percentage. The Yellowjackets added 28 assists, 10 service aces and 33 digs, along with three solo blocks and four block assists . Morningside countered with 37 kills on a .234 hitting percentage and held a 43-33 advantage in digs .

The opening set featured 13 ties and multiple lead changes. Graceland recorded 16 kills on a .293 hitting percentage in the frame . Andrew Cziep and Jackson House were effective in transition, while Nairod Fonseca directed the offense with consistent tempo distribution. A late kill by Cziep trimmed the deficit to 24-23, but Morningside sided out to secure the 25-23 win .

In the second set, the Mustangs created separation through serve pressure and in-system execution. Graceland was limited to four kills and a -.160 hitting percentage in the set . Morningside capitalized on first-ball sideout efficiency to take a 2-0 match lead with a 25-13 decision.

Graceland responded in the third set with improved serving and net discipline. Nam Taluong delivered three consecutive service aces during an 8-0 run, giving the Yellowjackets an early 8-2 advantage . Jackson House finished with three service aces, while Cziep added eight kills. Kalanikapu Aona contributed four kills on nine swings for a .333 hitting percentage, along with a solo block and block assist .

The Yellowjackets extended the lead to 18-6 before Morningside closed the match on a decisive run, converting in transition and capitalizing on late attack errors to complete the sweep, 25-21 .

Cziep led Graceland with eight kills, followed by House with seven kills and six digs. Elijah Kline added six kills, and Fonseca finished with 27 assists . Nick English contributed six digs and one service ace defensively.

Morningside was led by Mohamed Benkrid, who recorded 15 kills on a .419 hitting percentage, while Natan Alves added seven kills and 12 digs . Setter Malu Wilcox directed the offense with 35 assists .

"We competed well in stretches, especially in the first and third sets, but we have to sustain our serve-receive and minimize unforced errors in extended rallies," head coach Eric Majors said. "Our block positioning and defensive reads improved as the match progressed, and we saw positive production from multiple attackers. Now the focus is consistency in first contact and executing in out-of-system situations."

Graceland was scheduled to host William Penn on Friday night in Lamoni. Due to Graceland men's basketball hosting the conference tournament semifinals, the match against William Penn has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date and time.

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