Sting in the Tail
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maranatha ( ) | 15 | 16 | 17 | 0 |
|
Graceland ( ) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Maranatha ( ) | 17 | 10 | 25 | 15 | 1 |
|
Graceland ( ) | 25 | 25 | 23 | 25 | 3 |
LEAD
Lamonia, Iowa. -- Graceland had a score to settle after last season, and they did just that, taking two wins from Maranatha in southern Iowa.
The Yellowjackets boasted a solid attack as they won 3-1 and 3-0. Meanwhile, Maranatha struggled to find a rhythm and will have almost two weeks before they take the court again.
OVERVIEW
- Match 1: Maranatha 1-3 Graceland (17-25, 10-25, 25-23, 15-25)
- Match 2: Maranatha 0-3 Graceland (15-25, 16-15, 17-25)
- Venue: Closson Center, Graceland University
- Location: Lamonia, Iowa
- Attendance: --
- Records: Maranatha (1-6), Graceland (4-4)
STORY
Maranatha had a hard time dealing with the heavy Yellowjacket attack, as Graceland recorded a minimum of 12 kills in a set in the first match and 10 in the second. Taylor Dafoe logged 26 assists and 10 digs in the first match, facilitating a 25-23 win in the third set that was fueled by seven kills from Jacob Valeria and 12 from Phillip Holbrook, but Maranatha couldn't maintain any lasting momentum.
After Graceland won 3-1 in the first match, they had the Sabercats on the back foot for the second. Holbrook put down 11 kills for Maranatha, but they struggled to find the rhythm they needed. Graceland compiled 34 kills, and Maranatha struggled with offensive and defensive misplays as Graceland went on to a three-set win.
Unlike that last match of 2020, there was no miracle comeback for the Sabercats this time, and Graceland was left with the last laughs for the 2021 season.
--
Maranatha Starters: 4- McKee, 5- Dafoe, 6- Rossiter, 11- Fopma, 12- Holbrook, 13- Wagner (L), 15- Smith
STATS
- Box Score Match 1
- Box Score Match 2
- Series: Graceland now leads the series 3-1
OPPONENTS
- Graceland competes in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (NAIA)
- Graceland holds a 2-4 conference record - these two matches are their only non-cons of the season
- Graceland fell in the HAAC Quarterfinals in 2019
NEXT
The Sabercats' next match is scheduled for Thursday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Viterbo University. Find details at mbusabercats.com/schedule.
