February 19, 2008 | Box Score
LAMONI, IA- As the temperatures dipped well below zero, so did the Graceland University Men’s Volleyball (2-7: 0-1 MAMVIC WEST) team against the #10 Vikings of Missouri Valley College (3-7: 1-4 MAMVIC WEST). Coming out strong in the first set after overtaking the Vikings early 8-5 lead, a strong kill from freshman middle hitter Calsen Agrade (Kekaha Kauai, HI) sparked Graceland to shake off the shaky serve receive and hesitant play that gave Missouri Valley the early lead.
Team defense put Graceland ahead 11-10 after a solo block from junior middle hitter Joe Klein (Richmond, MN) and great digging from sophomore outside hitter Daniel Parish (St. Louis, MO). The Yellowjackets capped their 4 point run at the Missouri Valley time out with the score 13-10. However, 5 consecutive service errors between the two teams tied the game at 15. A Klein kill in transition from a dig by freshmen defensive specialist Keith Sears (Kansas City, MO) gave Graceland a 22-20 game 1 edge until a Parish ace brought the Yellowjackets within two points of victory and another Klein kill out of serve receive closed the first set in Graceland’s favor 30-27. The Yellowjackets hit a season-high .485 in game 1; however, this heated play was soon to cool.
Despite strong passing from Klein, the Vikings took an early 2-0 lead and extended it into a 7 point advantage, leading 9-2, after Graceland was unable to get effective attacks from their serve receive. With 10 points left in game 2 Graceland trailed 16-20. Two consecutive aces by Parish brought the Yellowjackets with two and a tip kill from senior setter Ainoa Miyashiro fired the crowd up moving Graceland closer 23-25. An Agrade-Parish block and an service ace from Miyashiro kept the game close after the Yellowjackets fell behind again, 26-28. The Vikings’ stingy defense kept Graceland from winning the set, as the Yellowjackets fell 27-30. After their season-high hitting percentage for a game, the Yellowjackets found a new low hitting -.030 as a team for game 2.
Putting their frustration behind them, the Yellowjackets jumped to a 5-2 advantage from strong serving by junior outside hitter Kevin Allison (Elgin, IL) and a couple blocks from Agrade. Several Agrade kills kept Graceland on top until the Vikings rallied to tie the set at 6 points apiece. The Vikings’ rally continued as they found themselves ahead 15-12 after a Graceland timeout. Graceland pulled within two at 19-21 and several strong serves from Parish and quick kills from Klein kept the Yellowjackets within reach. With Missouri Valley within 2 points to win game 3, Allison ripped an ace to bring graceland within two. A Klein transition kill and another Allison ace, the second of three on the night, tied the set at 28. Yet after several service errors combined with the stingy Viking defense, the Yellowjackets found themselves on the wrong side of the board, losing 30-32.
Determined to take a stand and force the deciding game 5, Graceland earned another early lead, up 4-1 after strong net play from Klein. Allison serving increased the lead to 4 until the Vikings pulled with 2. An Agrade kill maintained the slim lead until the Yellowjackets fought to a 15-11 advantage half way through the fourth set. Continued strong efforts from the Yellowjackets gave them a 20-16 advantage until Missouri Valley tied it at 27. A huge block from Miyashiro and Klein put Graceland within one point of the deciding game 5 and a solo block from Allison kept them ahead 30-29 yet it was the Vikings turn to show off their own defensive prowess. Two consecutive blocks from the Vikings gave them a 32-31 advantage and forced the Yellowjackets into submission, winning 33-31.
Allison led the defensive efforts for the Yellowjackets with 12 digs, 2 solo blocks, and 2 block assists. Miyashiro and Parish were close behind with 9 digs. Parish led the offense with 14 kills. Allison and Klein also contributed with 13 kills apiece. Agrade rose to the challenge of the Vikings defense and hit a season best .438 (9 kills, 2 errors, 16 attempts) for the match. Miyashiro ended the night with 54 assists. Allison and Parish led the team in aces with 3 each and Miyashiro nearly matched their efforts with 2 aces from the service line. As a team Graceland managed to hit a below-average .201 and blocked a solid 2.75 blocks per game.
Difficulties from the serving line were the main factor working against their quest for a win. Graceland served a well below average 76% from the line and combined with 29 service errors made it easier for Missouri Valley to control the match. The Yellowjackets next series is against conference-rival Johnson and Wales University February 26h and 27th in the Closson Center.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
