February 27, 2008 | Box Score
LAMONI, IA- In their second match in two days against the Johnson and Wales Wildcats the Graceland University Men’s Volleyball team came up short in their search for the first conference win of the season. The Wildcats (9-3: 4-0 MAMVIC WEST) defeated the Yellowjackets (2-9: 0-3) in 3 straights sets by the scores 30-25, 30-25, 30-25. Throughout the night the Yellowjackets struggled to gain control of the match with inconsistent play all-around.
A hot start by the Yellowjackets proved to be misleading as they quickly gained advantage 2-0 following a Johnson and Wales service error and a Graceland team block. However two service aces from the Wildcats gave them the lead until a solo block from junior middle hitter Joe Klein (Richmond, MN) tied the set at 6. It was another tough serving night from the Wildcats who pulled ahead 15-11. Following the 6 point run from the Wildcats, freshmen opposite hitter Josh Walters (Hilo, HI) pulled the Yellowjackets out of their funk with a strong kill out of serve receive. Junior outside hitter Kevin Allison (Elgin, IL) brought the Yellowjackets within 1 at 18-19 but following a timeout from the Wildcats, Graceland fell apart at 20 losing Game 1 25-30.
Game 2 started in similar fashion with inspired team play, notably defensive efforts from senior setter Ainoa Miyashiro (Honolulu, HI) and gave the Yellowjackets an early 4-1 lead. Yet Johnson and Wales took the lead 6-5 and never looked back only allowing the Yellowjackets to tie the set several times until they pulled away at 24. A Wildcat service ace gave them the 24-22 advantage and they continued to employ their aggressive defense to win the second set 30-25.
A Wildcat ball handling error and a kill from Allison put the Yellowjackets ahead early 2-0 in game 3 until Johnson and Wales’ defense again gave them the edge tying it at 8. Aggressive serving placed the Wildcats comfortably ahead 19-14. A strong serve receive kill from Klein ended another Johnson and Wales run. Following a Wildcat attacking error the Yellowjackets pulled within 1 at the Wildcats 23-22 timeout. In what has turned out to be a pattern as of late for the Yellowjackets, weak serve receive and tentative serving allowed the Wildcats to jump ahead 27-22. A service ace from the Wildcats brought them within match point. The Yellowjackets rallied for a point until the Wildcats ended the match winning game 3 30-25.
With this third-consecutive loss, the Yellowjackets hopes for a national tournament bid have begun to slim. Despite strong offensive efforts from Klein (11 kills, 1 error, 22 attempts, .455 efficiency) and Allison (16 kills, 9 errors, 34 attempts, .206 efficiency) the Yellowjackets were unable to provide adequate defense to gain the edge over the edgy Wildcats. Allison had a team-high 3 aces as well. Miyashiro finished the night with 44 assists and 10 digs in the losing effort. The Yellowjackets square off this Friday against #10 Clarke University in Dubuque, IA at 7 pm.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
