March 1, 2008 | Box Score
GLENDALE, WI- Following the incredible 4 game upset of #3 Lindenwood University Lions by #5 Cardinal Stritch University Wolves the Graceland University Men’s Volleyball team looked to provide some fireworks of their own but came up short in their quest for revenge. The Yellowjackets (2-11: 0-3 MAMVIC WEST) left Milwaukee with a bitter taste after trying to find their groove. The Wolves (14-6: 5-2 MAMVIC EAST) jumped to an early 8-5 lead in game 1 and continued to take advantage of hesitant play from the Yellowjackets and were ahead at the midway point 14-8. A huge kill from junior middle hitter Joe Klein (Richmond, MN) out of serve receive capped a Graceland rally that brought them within 4. The Yellowjackets were unable to muster an effective offense until late in the set. Down 25-29 strong defensive play took Graceland out of its drought narrowing the gap to 2. Yet the Wolves quickly silenced any hopes of victory winning game 1 30-27. Graceland fought to a 7-6 lead early in Game 2. Tough serving from sophomore outside hitter Dan Parish (St. Louis, MO) gave the Yellowjackets a 5 pt advantage until a Stritch rally tied the set at 17. Following the tie, inspired play erupted from the Yellowjackets as the two teams fought point for point to gain advantage in the closing points of the set. Good transition work kept the score close and kept Graceland fighting for the win. A great stop with the Graceland block put the Yellowjackets on top and an incredible defensive rally won the second set 31-29. Game 3 began with a solo block from outside hitter Kevin Allison (Elgin, IL) that placed the Yellowjackets in front early 2-0. Graceland continued to feed from this spark and led throughout the first ten points of the set. Several key swings and a service ace from freshman opposite hitter Joshua Walters (Hilo, HI) maintained the advantage until the Wolves tied the set at 12. However Cardinal Stritch took a 4 point advantage and led 17-13 halfway through the game. Graceland clawed back within 1 at 16-17 and tied the set however a bad officiating call took away an Allison ace and the Wolves took the opportunity and won their second game of the match 30-20. After the disheartening loss the Yellowjackets fought point for point in game 4 with strong serve receive kills from Parish and tough Klein serving. The Wolves began to take advantage of Graceland’s unforced errors and earned a commanding 16-10 lead. A block from Parish and Klein brought Graceland within 5 at 14-19. Yet Cardinal Stritch stayed ahead and defeated the Yellowjackets 30-22 winning the match. “I think we had too many unforced errors. It’s hard to compete at a high level and have a success with unforced errors. It’s hard to stay competitive,” Head Coach Chad McDole said. “Ainoa had a nice match. Dan did some good things for us serving, he did a nice job.” “The second game went really well,” senior setter Ainoa Miyashiro (Honolulu, HI) said. Freshman defensive specialist Rollin Olaso (Wahiawa, HI) commented, “I thought our hitters did a good job. We could have blocked more balls and dug a bit more. Overall, I like sunflower seeds. We just need to do work.” Freshman middle hitter Calsen Agrade (Kekaha Kauai, HI) led the Yellowjackets offensive efforts with 10 kills, 1 error, on 24 attempts to hit a team-high .375 hitting efficiency. Allison provided consistent defense for Graceland with a season-high 42 receptions with no errors, a team-high 8 digs, 2 solo blocks and 1 block assist. Parish finished with a team-high 15 kills and 3 service aces. Miyashiro ended the night with 50 assists. The Yellowjackets continue playing next weekend March 7th against Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. Match time is scheduled for 7 pm.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact: Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director (641) 784-5318 mshelton@graceland.edu
