2005 Conclusion

The Graceland women’s volleyball team opened the 2005 campaign 3-1 at the preseason Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament with commanding wins over Avila, Benedictine and Evangel. In early September, the Yellowjackets found themselves at a discouraging 3-5, but went on a 19-4 tear through four tournaments and eight conference games to end the regular season 22-9. Graceland then took the conference tournament by storm, beating Baker and Evangel on their way to the championship game against the Lindenwood Lions. Graceland showed no mercy to the regular season conference champion Lions, by winning the post-season HAAC tournament in five games and moving on to the Region V tournament. The Jackets beat McKendree College in the Closson Center, then fell short to national finalist, Columbia College, in the semifinals. Graceland ended the 2005 season with an impressive 26-10 overall record.

The season produced five conference players of the week:
Sarah Young (Jr., OH, Fenton, MO),
Jenny Stone (So., MH, Wichita, KS)
Megan Ryan (Sr., OH, New Sharon, IA).

There were five conference Libero of the Week selections:
Shannon Kim (So., Lib, Honolulu, HI)
Sarah Young (both received a Region selection as well).

Our Setter, Lindsay Neal (Sr., S, Pleasant Hill, MO) was a four-time conference and three-time Region Setter of the Week. Neal, Young, Ryan, Stone and Jodi Butler (Sr., MH, Albion, IA) were tabbed for all-conference honors.

Sarah Young and Lindsay Neal were accorded all-region and All-American notice.

Anna Bair (Sr., Opp, Webster, IA) was an All-American Scholar-Athlete selection.

The entire team was moved and honored by the recognition of their teammates. Ultimately they knew that it was the 23-5 run and the success in the postseason that positioned their team and players for notice. Bottom line: Adding to a Tradition of Champions