Graceland Softball Drops Two Close Contests to Stephens College

Columbia, Mo. – The Graceland University softball team battled in a doubleheader against Stephens College on Tuesday but came up short in both contests, falling 5-4 in Game 1 and 8-2 in Game 2. Despite strong performances at the plate and competitive pitching, the Yellowjackets were unable to hold off the Stars' late-inning offense. With the losses, Graceland falls to 7-17 overall (0-0 HAAC), while Stephens improves to 5-7 (0-0 AMC).

Game 1: Stephens 5, Graceland 4

Graceland started strong, jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning when J. Gay doubled to left, driving in two runs. K. Vandemark added an RBI single in the fourth to push the Yellowjackets ahead 4-3. However, Stephens answered with a two-run fourth inning, scoring on an RBI groundout and a two-out single to take the lead.

Pitching Notes: S. Bradshaw (L, 4-6) threw a complete game, allowing five runs (five earned) on seven hits with seven strikeouts. E. Kendrick (W, 2-4) held Graceland to four runs (two earned) on nine hits over seven innings.

Offensive Leaders: K. Cook: 3-for-4, three runs | J. Gay: 1-for-4, 2 RBIs | K. Vandemark: 3-for-4, 2 RBIs

Game 2: Stephens 8, Graceland 2

Graceland struck first in the second inning when P. Pialet singled to left, driving in B. Glasgow. The Yellowjackets tied the game 2-2 in the third when M. McKinney grounded out, scoring S. Bradshaw. However, Stephens took control with three runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth, fueled by a two-run double from I. Smart and an RBI single from J. Guerrero.

Pitching Notes: P. Pialet (L, 0-8) worked six innings, surrendering eight runs (six earned) on 13 hits while striking out three. K. Dennis (W, 2-3) picked up the win for Stephens, tossing six innings of two-run ball with four strikeouts.

Offensive Leaders: C. Peters: 2-for-4 | S. Bradshaw: 2-for-4, one run | P. Pialet: 2-for-3, one RBI

Coach Todd Verwers' Comments

Following the games, head coach Todd Verwers reflected on his team's effort and areas for growth: "We had good moments at the plate and on the mound, but we have to put together a full seven innings to win these kinds of games. Our hitters showed patience and found ways to get on base, but we left too many runners stranded. Defensively, we need to limit mistakes in key situations. We'll take what we've learned from today and use it to prepare for conference play."

Up Next

Graceland will have a brief break before opening conference play at home. The Yellowjackets return to action on March 22, hosting a doubleheader against Heart of America Athletic Conference opponent Benedictine College. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. at North Park in Lamoni.

For more information on Graceland softball and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit GUjackets.com.