Graceland Women's Flag Football Posts 3-1 Record at Michigan Invitational
ADRIAN, Mich. — The Graceland University women's flag football team continued its early-season momentum with a 3-1 showing at the Michigan Invitational, hosted by Siena Heights University in Adrian, Michigan. The Yellowjackets posted wins over Benedictine, Campbellsville, and Milligan before falling in the weekend finale to Siena Heights.
Graceland opened the invitational with an efficient offensive performance in a 32-12 victory over Benedictine. The Yellowjackets rotated between quarterbacks Caitlin and Shyla to great effect, with Caitlin going 11-of-16 for 139 yards and three touchdowns. Shyla added another score through the air, completing 6 of 9 passes for 59 yards.
The receiving corps was led by Delaney, who caught two touchdown passes, and Kymani, who recorded four receptions for 53 yards and a score. Mikiah also contributed with two receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown.
Shyla made her presence felt on the ground with seven carries for 59 yards and a rushing touchdown. The defense delivered a strong performance as well, forcing three interceptions. Kiah led the effort with 4.5 tackles and two interceptions for nine return yards, while Delaney added a third pick. Graceland also totaled three sacks, with Shyla and Kymani each recording one.
In its second game, Graceland outlasted Campbellsville in a 33-20 shootout. Caitlin once again set the tone under center, completing 18 of 28 passes for 260 yards and four touchdowns. Shyla added two receiving scores on five catches, while Delaney and Mikiah each found the end zone through the air.
Grace and Kymani both intercepted passes, and the Yellowjackets' defense registered three total picks on the day. Mari anchored the defense with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks for a combined loss of 11 yards. Delaney also added an interception and 17 return yards.
Against Milligan, Graceland turned in its most complete performance of the tournament with a 27-6 victory. Caitlin connected on 23 of 33 pass attempts for 240 yards and two touchdowns. Shyla had a team-high 10 receptions for 102 yards, while Mikiah posted 86 yards and a touchdown on five catches.
Defensively, the Yellowjackets again swarmed. Mari recorded a game-changing defensive touchdown, returning a lateral 45 yards for a score. She added six tackles, one sack, and a pass breakup. Kylie and Shyla each notched a sack, while Grace tallied seven tackles and two pass breakups.
Graceland closed the weekend with a 27-24 loss to Siena Heights in a tight, back-and-forth battle. Despite the result, the offense was sharp. Caitlin threw for 141 yards and three touchdowns on 19-of-24 passing, and Shyla added a touchdown pass on a trick play.
The Yellowjackets had four different players score through the air. Mikiah had two touchdown receptions, while Shyla and Delaney each added one. Grace continued her consistency in the short game with eight catches for 51 yards. Defensively, Mari led all tacklers with seven, while Grace hauled in a key interception and returned it 24 yards.
"It's exciting to see the continued growth of this group as we approach the end of the season," head coach Aaron Richardson said. "It's been fun to watch this young team begin to find its rhythm and identity within the sport. We're very excited heading into the KCAC Championship."
With the Michigan Invitational complete, Graceland now turns its attention to its next contest. The Yellowjackets will return to Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa, on Saturday, April 12, for a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Saint Mary's University Spires.
For more information on the Graceland University women's flag football program and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit GUjackets.com.