Yellowjackets Held Scoreless In Des Moines As Vikings Extend Conference Lead

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Graceland University Softball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) doubleheader to Grand View University on Tuesday afternoon. The Vikings shut out the Yellowjackets 8-0 in Game One and 2-0 in Game Two at the Grand View Softball Complex. With the results, Graceland falls to 12-22 overall and 5-5 in HAAC play, while Grand View improves to 20-10 overall and 9-1 in conference.

Game 1: Grand View 8, Graceland 0 (6 Inn.)
Grand View scored two runs in the first inning and added insurance in the second, fourth, and sixth frames to secure the run-rule victory. Graceland managed four hits in the contest. Senior Outfielder Charlee Peters led the Yellowjackets with a 2-for-3 performance, adding a stolen base. Senior Infielder Jayda Gay and Sophomore Utility Aliyah Farrell each chipped in with a hit.

Sophomore Pitcher/Outfielder Paige Pialet (1-12) took the loss, allowing five earned runs on nine hits across 3.2 innings pitched. Junior Pitcher/Infielder Kady Vandemark and Sophomore Pitcher/Infielder Allison Henry worked in relief. Grand View totaled 15 hits, led by Natalie Randall (3-for-4, 2 RBIs) and Sydney Holbert (3-for-4). Mady Waldorf (9-3) and Camryn Leinen combined for 11 strikeouts in the shutout effort.

Game 2: Grand View 2, Graceland 0
Despite a strong outing from Senior Pitcher/Utility Sammi Bradshaw, the Yellowjackets were again unable to break through offensively. Bradshaw (8-9) threw a complete game, surrendering just two earned runs on five hits while recording six strikeouts and no walks over 6.0 innings.

Both Grand View runs came in the third inning via an RBI triple from Kaitlyn Merical and an RBI single by Caleigh Kottlowsk. Graceland was limited to two hits, both coming from Peters and Gay, who also recorded stolen bases. Despite drawing four walks and placing multiple runners in scoring position, the Yellowjackets could not convert. Madison Huisman (8-5) went the distance for the Vikings, striking out four in the shutout.

Coach's Comments
"We faced a very complete team today," said Graceland Head Coach Todd Verwers. "Credit to Grand View — their arms executed pitches and their hitters put pressure on us early. We competed on the mound in both games, but we need better production situationally. Our group will respond."

Up Next
Graceland returns to HAAC action on Saturday, April 13, traveling to Baldwin City, Kansas, for a doubleheader against Baker University. First pitch in Game One is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Cavaness Field.

For more information on Graceland Softball and all of Graceland Athletics, visit GUjackets.com.