Graceland Softball Sweeps Arlington Baptist to Open Season
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Graceland University softball team traveled south to warmer weather to open their season, taking on Arlington Baptist University in a doubleheader on Friday evening. The Yellowjackets started the season strong, securing an 11-1 victory in six innings in the opener and following up with a 12-5 win in game two. Graceland begins the season 2-0 overall, while Arlington Baptist drops to 0-2.
Game 1: Graceland 11, Arlington Baptist 1 (6 Innings)
The Yellowjackets wasted no time in setting the tone for their season. Behind stellar pitching from Sammi Bradshaw and timely hitting, Graceland controlled the game from start to finish.
Graceland broke the game open in the fifth inning, scoring five runs highlighted by Braelyn Windham's two-run triple and Kady Vandemark's two-RBI single. Bradshaw dominated in the circle, allowing only one run on three hits while striking out eight.
Key Performers for Graceland:
- Sammi Bradshaw (W, 1-0): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 8 K
- Braelyn Windham: 2-for-2, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, triple
- Kaitlyn Cook: 2-for-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI
- Kady Vandemark: 2-for-3, 2 RBIs
Bradshaw's strong performance was backed by an error-free defense, as the Yellowjackets showcased their readiness despite playing their first games of the season on the road.
Game 2: Graceland 12, Arlington Baptist 5
In the second game, Graceland's bats stayed hot as the team tallied 13 hits to outpace the Patriots. The Yellowjackets exploded for nine runs in the second inning, capitalizing on multiple Arlington Baptist errors and timely hits from Aliyah Farrell and Kady Vandemark.
Arlington Baptist responded with five runs in the third inning, but Graceland's bullpen and defense shut them down for the remainder of the game. Reliever Paige Pialet threw three scoreless innings to secure the win.
Key Performers for Graceland:
- Kaitlyn Cook: 3-for-3, 2 runs
- Charlee Peters: 1-for-5, 2 RBIs
- Aliyah Farrell: 2-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs
- Kady Vandemark (W, 1-0): 4.0 IP, 4 H, 5 R (2 ER), 2 BB, 2 K
Head coach Todd Verwers reflected on the team's success, saying, "Our players came out ready to compete in every aspect of the game. Heading south to get in these early games is always a challenge, but our team showed they were prepared. The pitching was sharp, and we executed well offensively to take advantage of opportunities. It's a great way to start the season."
Looking Ahead
The Yellowjackets will continue their season at the 2025 Branson Bash, taking on York College on Friday, February 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Branson, Missouri.
For more information on Graceland softball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.