Yellowjackets Fall to Ottawa in Non-Conference Matchup

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University men's volleyball team dropped a non-conference contest to Ottawa (Kan.) in straight sets, 25-17, 25-16, 25-14, Saturday afternoon inside the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets move to 2-20 overall, earning their second win of the season earlier this week, while Ottawa improves to 16-7 overall.

Graceland recorded 27 kills on a .060 attack percentage, facing consistent pressure from Ottawa's block and back-row defense. Ottawa totaled 35 kills on a .342 hitting percentage, including a .652 efficiency in the second set, capitalizing on in-system opportunities and clean first contacts.

Jerze Simonson led the Yellowjackets with five kills on a .300 hitting percentage, while Jackson House and Elijah Kline contributed five and four kills, respectively. Setters Luis Garcia and Nairod Fonseca combined for 25 assists, working to establish offensive rhythm through the middle and pin combinations. Defensively, Graceland finished with 33 digs, led by Benjamin Gorton-Hülgerth with nine, but struggled to convert transition swings into points.

Ottawa was led by Marko Zolnjan and Kadeem Morris, who combined for 19 kills at an efficient clip, helping the Braves maintain control in serve-receive and transition phases. Ottawa also added 10 total team blocks, disrupting Graceland's attacking lanes and limiting terminal swings.

"We're continuing to emphasize efficiency in our attack and cleaner serve-receive," head coach Eric Majors said. "This group continues to compete, and coming off our second win, we're focused on building consistency point to point."

Graceland returns to Heart of America Athletic Conference play on Tuesday, March 24 at 7 p.m. CDT, traveling to face Culver-Stockton (Mo.) at Charles Field House in Canton, Missouri.

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