Volleyball Team Falls to Graceland in Four Sets
William Penn Women’s Athletics
Oskaloosa–The William Penn volleyball squad had some help from its opponent Saturday, but could not add to it in a 3-1 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss to Graceland.
The Statesmen (6-20, 1-8 Heart) lost by scores of 17-25, 26-24, 13-25, 19-25.
WPU was outhit .320-.045, but stayed in the match as the Yellowjackets (12-14, 3-6 Heart) committed 20 service errors.
After being unable to give much of a battle in the first set, the navy and gold took advantage of eight GU service errors and served up two of their own in the second set to knot up the matchup. William Penn secured the round despite tallying just six kills.
The visitors then closed out the afternoon with wins in the third and fourth sets. The home squad rolled out to a 10-4 edge in the fourth set, but permitted Graceland to rally, eventually taking the lead for good at 15-14.
Savanna Hartman (Jr., Morgan Hill, Calif., Psychology) led the offense with 14 kills, while Claire Simmons (Fr., Williamsburg, Iowa, Psychology) added eight winners.
Leyra Jusino (Sr., Bayamon, P.R., General Biology) assisted 26 times, while Ashley Miller (Fr., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) dug eight GU attacks Saturday. Erika Getz (Sr., Parsons, Kan., Physical Education) guided the defensive net presence with four blocks (one solo, three assists).
Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa next Saturday to host Missouri Valley (Heart play) and Mount Mercy (non-conference game) in a triangular. The MVC contest begins at 3 p.m., while the MMU matchup will be at 7 p.m.
