Flag Football Falls to Kansas Wesleyan, Prepares for Doubleheader in Michigan

Graceland's offense struggled to sustain drives and finish possessions, compiling 154 total yards while being held out of the end zone. Quarterback Caitlin Shannon completed 16 of 22 passes for 180 yards but was under frequent pressure, taking multiple sacks and throwing one interception. The Yellowjackets were limited to -26 yards on the ground as the Kansas Wesleyan pass rush dictated the tempo in the backfield.

Wide receiver Ahmari Byrd was a bright spot, catching four passes for a team-high 66 yards, including a 37-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Shyla Barrios added seven receptions for 39 yards while also seeing time as a rusher and punter. Delaney Mondino, Kymani Freeman, and Grace Jensen each contributed in the passing game, with Mondino tallying 22 receiving yards on two catches.

Defensively, Graceland was paced by Aiyanna Hannah with seven solo tackles and Ahmari Byrd with six. Kylie Overkamp added five tackles, while Grace Jensen, Delaney Mondino, and Barrios each chipped in with stops. Despite the defensive effort, Kansas Wesleyan's offense was efficient, totaling 330 yards and scoring touchdowns in every quarter.

Graceland trailed 25-0 at halftime after Kansas Wesleyan converted four touchdown drives and took advantage of favorable field position. A third-quarter safety and three additional scoring drives by the Coyotes sealed the outcome.

Head coach Aaron Richardson emphasized the importance of learning from the result and focusing on incremental improvement.

"It's always disappointing to lose, especially at home, but what matters most now is how we respond," Richardson said. "We've shown we can compete, but competing isn't enough—we have to execute. It's not just about knowing the plays; it's about reading coverage, managing situations, and executing in real-time under pressure. That has to improve. The good news is that these things are coachable, and this group is committed to getting better. A loss like this doesn't define us, but it does show us where we have to grow."

Graceland finished with six first downs, while Kansas Wesleyan recorded 13. The Yellowjackets committed only two penalties for zero yards, but were unable to capitalize on their lone trip to the red zone, which ended with an interception returned 51 yards. Graceland also struggled on special teams, averaging just 16.7 yards per punt and failing to generate return yardage.

The Yellowjackets will now travel to Adrian, Michigan, for a Saturday doubleheader. Graceland is scheduled to face Milligan University (Tenn.) at 10:15 a.m. CT, followed by a matchup against Siena Heights University (Mich.) at 12:15 p.m. CT. Local kickoff times in Adrian will be 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. ET, respectively. The games offer a non-conference opportunity to reset and respond with improved execution.

For more information on Graceland flag football and all Graceland University athletics, visit GUjackets.com.