Graceland Falls to Mount Mercy in Heart Road Match

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Graceland University women's volleyball team fell in straight sets on the road Friday evening, dropping a conference matchup to Mount Mercy University, 25-16, 25-17, 25-16 at the Hennessey Recreation Center. The Yellowjackets move to 6-20 overall and 2-13 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while the Mustangs improve to 12-11 (7-9 Heart).

Mount Mercy controlled the match offensively, recording a .323 team attack percentage, while holding Graceland to just .097. The Mustangs totaled 42 kills and committed only 11 errors, putting consistent pressure on the Yellowjackets' back row.

Senior middle hitter Kylee Dixon (Lawson, MO) led Graceland with nine kills on 17 attempts, finishing with a match-high .529 hitting percentage and contributing three block assists. Senior middle/right side Kaylee Baker (New Hampton, IA) added five kills and one solo block, while senior outside hitter Ella Thomas (Norman, OK) also chipped in five kills.

Graceland recorded 20 total kills as a team with 28 assists, led by senior setter Allison Sander (Papillion, NE), who tallied 15 assists and one dig. Freshman setter/defensive specialist Shaeniah La Fountain (Waipahu, HI) added one ace and 14 digs off the bench, providing a defensive spark throughout the second set.

Defensively, senior libero Madi Bratlie (Maricopa, AZ) recorded one service ace and one dig, while sophomore outside hitter Evie Caresia (Lawson, MO) added two kills and one dig. Sophomore opposite Kaci Young (Centennial, CO) notched four kills and one solo block.

Graceland held pace early in each set but struggled to respond to Mount Mercy's balanced attack. The Mustangs were paced by Mary Kate Bendlage, who posted 18 kills and a .545 hitting percentage, with consistent setting from Maddie Marquardt, who tallied 21 assists.

Despite the outcome, head coach Stew McDole found value in the competition and praised the challenge Mount Mercy presented.

"Mercy was good tonight. We played well, but couldn't defend their offense," McDole said. "A good team to play. A challenge, but we felt in range the whole match."

The Yellowjackets will aim to bounce back quickly as they return to action this weekend.

Next up: Graceland travels to Dubuque, Iowa, for a conference match against Clarke University on Saturday, Oct. 25. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CDT at the Kehl Center.

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