Flag Looks Ahead After Road Loss to Baker; Hosts Spring Sting Showdown Saturday
Baldwin City, KS—The Graceland University women's flag football team fell to conference rival Baker University on Monday evening, 40–0, in a late-season contest at Liston Stadium in Baldwin City, Kansas. Despite showing competitive stretches offensively and collecting 15 first downs, the Yellowjackets were unable to convert possessions into points, stalling in the red zone and committing three turnovers through the air.
The Yellowjackets (10–8) matched Baker in total first downs but were outgained 356–236 in total offense. Graceland quarterback Caitlin Shannon completed 23 of 37 passes for 191 yards but threw three interceptions. Wideout Ahmari Byrd led all Yellowjackets receivers with six catches for 70 yards, while running back Shyla Barrios added seven receptions for 40 yards and two carries for 15 yards on the ground. Shannon also paced the team in rushing with 30 yards on five attempts.
The offense produced five drives that crossed into Baker territory, but each was stopped by defensive pressure or turnovers. Graceland's best scoring opportunity came midway through the second quarter when the offense reached the 4-yard line. However, a fourth-down pass was intercepted at the goal line to end the drive.
On defense, Graceland was led by Ahmari Byrd and Delaney Mondino, who each recorded four solo tackles. The defense held firm through the first half, trailing just 7–0 at the break, before a 20-point third quarter surge by Baker broke the game open. Baker's Tara Llorente threw four touchdown passes and compiled 283 yards through the air.
Despite the setback, head coach Aaron Richardson emphasized the importance of learning from the loss and continuing to refine execution as the postseason nears.
"It's always good to compete, and credit to Baker for their execution tonight," Richardson said. "Getting a win is always the goal, but we have to take a hard look at how we're finishing drives, protecting the ball, and tackling in space. We moved the ball well at times, but situational execution—on both sides of the ball—has to improve. The talent and effort are there. Now it's about tightening the details as we head into a critical stretch."
Graceland will conclude its regular season this Saturday, April 19, by hosting the inaugural Spring Sting Showdown at Huntsman Field in Lamoni. The Yellowjackets will face Rockford University at 11:30 a.m., followed by a matchup with Bryant and Stratton College (Wisc.) at 2:30 p.m. Graceland will close the five-team event at 4 p.m. against Pratt Community College, a rising JUCO program making its debut in Lamoni.
The Spring Sting Showdown will feature a festival-style format, bringing together programs from the NAIA and junior college levels for a full day of competitive flag football action.
For more information on the Graceland women's flag football team and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit www.GUjackets.com.