Graceland Falls in Straight Sets to Central Methodist in Conference Action

LAMONI, Iowa – Sept. 19, 2025 – Graceland University women's volleyball dropped its fifth Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) contest of the season on Friday night at the Morden Center, falling in straight sets to visiting Central Methodist University. The Yellowjackets were edged in the opening frame but could not recover, dropping the match by scores of 26-28, 10-25, 22-25.

With the result, Graceland moves to 4-12 overall and 0-5 in Heart play, while Central Methodist improves to 10-4 overall and 2-2 in conference competition.

Graceland was paced offensively by senior Kaylee Baker, who tallied six kills on a .500 hitting percentage and added two solo blocks and one block assist for a team-high 8.5 points. Senior Grace Jensen and sophomore Evie Caresia each added offensive contributions, though the Yellowjackets struggled to maintain offensive consistency, finishing the match with a team hitting percentage of -.021.

Set One: Central Methodist 28, Graceland 26

The Yellowjackets showed energy early, exchanging points in a closely contested first set. Baker contributed a series of quick-tempo kills from the right side, and setter Allison Sander, a senior, distributed the ball effectively, posting multiple assists. Senior Ella Thomas and Jensen provided critical net play, and the Yellowjackets earned a 22-21 edge following a block from Jensen and senior Kylee Dixon.

Central Methodist responded with a kill from senior Joana Milho, who led all players with nine kills and three service aces. The Eagles capitalized on a pair of Graceland service errors and pushed ahead, taking the opening set 28-26.

Set Two: Central Methodist 25, Graceland 10

Set two was dominated by the visiting side. Central Methodist opened with consecutive aces from sophomore setter Mariah Bostic-Jones, part of the Eagles' 11 service aces in the match. Graceland recorded just three kills in the frame and committed nine attacking errors, posting a -.250 attack percentage.

Despite an early kill from Dixon and an ace from sophomore setter Kariana Hernandez Cruz, Graceland could not contain Milho or junior Martina Gonzato, who combined for several clean swings from the left side. The Yellowjackets dropped the set, 25-10.

Set Three: Central Methodist 25, Graceland 22

Graceland regrouped in the third frame, leaning on Baker, Jensen, and Caresia to jump out to a 7-2 lead. Hernandez Cruz continued to run a steady offense, and freshman Shaeniah La Fountain added defensive stability with 11 digs and a service ace.

Central Methodist stormed back behind strong serving and error-free transition play. Graceland remained within striking distance and tied the set at 19-19 after kills by Jensen and Thomas, and a block by Dixon and sophomore Kaci Young. However, Milho sealed the match for the visitors with a kill and a late service ace, handing the Yellowjackets a 25-22 defeat in the final frame.

Match Highlights:

• Kaylee Baker (Sr.): 6 kills, .500 hitting, 2 solo blocks, 1 block assist

• Grace Jensen (Sr.): 4 kills, 3 block assists

• Evie Caresia (So.): 5 kills on 20 attempts

• Allison Sander (Sr.): 10 assists, 1 service ace

• Shaeniah La Fountain (Fr.): 11 digs, 1 ace

• Kylee Dixon (Sr.): 2 kills, 4 block assists

• Kariana Hernandez Cruz (So.): 9 assists

Graceland totaled 24 kills, 26 attack errors, and 95 attempts, finishing with a team hitting percentage of -.021. Defensively, the team posted 35 digs, 2 solo blocks, and 10 block assists. The serve receive unit allowed 11 aces, and the team committed 12 service errors.

Central Methodist finished with 26 kills, 21 errors, and 85 attempts, hitting .059 as a team. The Eagles' serve proved to be the difference, as they racked up 11 service aces, with Bostic-Jones and Milho accounting for seven combined. Central Methodist added 16 block assists and 44 digs to close out the win.

Team Records:

• Graceland: 4-12 overall, 0-5 Heart

• Central Methodist: 10-4 overall, 2-2 Heart

Up Next:

Graceland returns to the Morden Center on Saturday, Sept. 20, to host Missouri Valley College in another Heart of America Athletic Conference match. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT in Lamoni, Iowa.

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