Women's Volleyball Drops Two on Opening Day at William Woods Invite

FULTON, Mo. —The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's volleyball team opened its 2025 campaign with a pair of losses at the William Woods Invite on Friday, falling to Friends University (3-0) in the morning match and to Evangel University (3-0) in the afternoon.

With the defeats, Graceland drops to 0-2 overall to start the regular season, while Friends improves to 2-1 and Evangel begins its year 1-0. Both matches were played at Anderson Arena in Fulton, Missouri.

MATCH ONE: FRIENDS UNIVERSITY DEF. GRACELAND, 3-0

Set Scores: 26-24, 25-16, 25-20

Graceland battled tightly in the first and third sets against a sharp Friends University squad, but offensive errors and passing inconsistencies hampered the Yellowjackets' rhythm. The team finished with a .032 hitting percentage, recording 30 kills on 124 total attempts with 26 errors.

Senior outside hitter Grace Jensen led the offense with 9 kills and 7 digs, while junior right-side Kaylee Baker added 7 kills and 3 service aces, contributing a team-high 12.0 points. Setter Kariana Hernandez Cruz distributed 14 assists, and defensive specialist Madi Bratlie paced the backcourt with 13 digs.

Despite a strong start in set one, Graceland was unable to capitalize on set point opportunities and allowed Friends to close the frame on a 3-0 run. The Yellowjackets were out-blocked 9 to 4 and surrendered 5 aces on serve receive.

Friends countered with a balanced attack that hit .147 across three sets. Gabbie Taylor led the Falcons with 10 kills, while setter Randi Reid contributed 16 assists and 10 digs.

MATCH TWO: EVANGEL UNIVERSITY DEF. GRACELAND, 3-0

Set Scores: 25-18, 25-18, 25-16

In the afternoon match, Graceland showed early signs of momentum but could not withstand Evangel's offensive efficiency. The Valor hit a match-high .306, totaling 42 kills and only 16 errors, including an eye-popping .818 efficiency from middle hitter Sharayah Seymour.

Graceland's offense was led again by Grace Jensen, who tallied 6 kills, and Kaylee Baker, who hit .400 with 3 kills and 2 aces. Evie Caresia posted a perfect 1.000 hitting percentage, going 4-for-4 without an error in limited action.

Kariana Hernandez Cruz continued to guide the Yellowjacket attack with 11 assists, while Shaeniah La Fountain added 4 digs and supported both the back row and setting responsibilities. Ella Thomas and Kylee Dixon chipped in with 5 and 3 kills, respectively.

Graceland started strong in the second set, jumping to a 5-0 lead behind service pressure and transition kills. However, Evangel responded with a 10-1 run sparked by libero Kenna Wise and outside hitter Bella Wakley, who led all players with 12 kills and 14 points.

The Yellowjackets were held to a .145 team attack percentage and struggled to close rallies at the net, finishing with only 2 total team blocks compared to Evangel's 12 block assists.

COACH'S THOUGHTS

Head coach Stew McDole reflected on the day's performance:

"Today was a crucial learning and maturation day for our team. We put some of our tools to lethal use against good teams. It is clearer to both coaches and players where our strengths are and how we can utilize them to equalize matches. And we are more and more a team in the most genuine way."

UP NEXT

Graceland will return to action tomorrow for the final day of the William Woods Invite, facing Justice University at 9 a.m. and Haskell Indian Nations University at 3 p.m. Both matches will be held at Anderson Arena in Fulton, Missouri.

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