March 8, 2008 | Box Score | Box Score
St. Louis, MO- In the first of two matches this weekend against conference foe #5 Lindenwood University Lions the Graceland University Men’s Volleyball team looked to compete strong in search of their first conference win. Despite a rambunctious home crowd from the Lions, the Yellowjackets (2-14: 0-5 MAMVIC WEST) fought well despite losing in three straight sets 23-30, 19-30, 27-30.
Graceland fell behind early in game 1 6-9 until several good defensive plays from the Yellowjackets tied the match after a block from sophomore outside hitter Dan Parish (St. Louis, MO) and junior middle hitter Joe Klein (Richmond, MN) at 9. A service ace from the Lions put Graceland behind 10-12 and another ace increased their lead to four at 14-18. Tough serving from the Yellowjackets and an error from the Lions kept Graceland within reach. Yet the 3rd ace of the set from the Lions won the first set as Graceland was unable to maintain focus to keep up with the Lions sloppy play.
Games 2 and 3 followed a similar patter where a lack of energy kept Graceland within close striking distance throughout the sets only to have tough Lindenwood serving keep the pressure on the Yellowjackets. Multiple service runs from the Lions were the downfall to Graceland’s attempts for victory. Klein had an outstanding night for the Yellowjackets hitting .750 (13 kills, 1 error, 16 attempts) with 1 block per game average (3 block assists). Freshman middle hitter Calsen Agrade (Kekaha Kauai, HI), Parish, and Klein all contributed 1 service ace to the Yellowjacket cause. Junior outside hitter Kevin Allison (Elgin, IL) provided 7 digs as well.
The second match of the weekend against #6 Missouri Baptist University Spartans turned out to be a heated grudge match of their earlier meeting in January. After Missouri Baptist jumped to a 2-0 lead a kill from Klein brought the Yellowjackets within 1. Yet the Spartans took advantage of a lapse in Graceland concentration and gained a 10-5 advantage. The rest of game 1 the Yellowjackets trailed and struggled to narrow the gap losing 23-30.
Graceland did not take the loss lightly. Coming out strong in game 2 after a serve receive kill from Klein and a dump attack from senior setter Ainoa Miyashiro (Honolulu, HI) Graceland gained a 4-3 advantage. A strong kill from Agrade kept the momentum going and increased the lead to 3 at 8-5. An ace from Parish brought it to 10-5. Following a Spartan timeout, strong serving from Missouri Baptist tied the set at 10. The two teams rallied back and forth until the Spartans pulled away to win 30-22.
Game 3 continued the close battle for control as tough serving from both teams kept the set exciting. With Graceland down 4 at 25-29 the Yellowjackets fought hard to force a fourth set but a service error from Graceland sealed the match with a game 3 loss 26-30. Freshman defensive specialist Rollin Olaso (Wahiawa, HI) led the defensive efforts with 8 digs for the Yellowjackets combined with 26 service receptions with no errors. Klein ended the match with a team-high 13 kills and 1 solo block and 1 block assists (.667 b/g). Parish hit a solid .300 (8 kills, 2 errors, 20 attempts) and Agrade fared slightly better hitting .333 (7 kills, 2 errors, 15 attempts). Freshman opposite hitter Joshua Walters (Hilo, HI) provided 2 aces from the service line. Miyashiro ended the set with 38 assists.
The Yellowjackets next match is against the #4 St. Ambrose University Bees Saturday March 22 in Davenport, IA at 2 pm.
For More Information on Graceland University Athletics Contact:
Matt Shelton, Sports Information Director
(641) 784-5318
mshelton@graceland.edu
