GU Drops Doubleheader to Benedictine in Heart of America Action

ATCHISON, Kan. — April 13, 2025 — The Graceland University Yellowjackets softball team was shut out in back-to-back games on Saturday afternoon, falling to Benedictine College in a Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) doubleheader at Ravens Field. Graceland dropped the opener 5-0 before suffering a 2-0 extra-inning loss in game two.

With the losses, Graceland falls to 12-28 overall and 5-11 in the HAAC, while Benedictine improves to 26-16 overall and 11-5 in league play.

Game One: Benedictine 5, Graceland 0

The Yellowjackets were no-hit in the series opener by Ravens right-hander L. SinghDhil (11-5), who struck out 10 across seven innings. Senior infielder Jayda Gay (Martensdale, Iowa) reached base twice via walks and recorded two stolen bases to lead Graceland's limited offensive effort.

Sophomore right-hander Paige Pialet (Green City, Mo.) took the loss in the circle, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks in four innings. Sophomore Allison Henry (Kearney, Mo.) entered in relief and allowed one run on two hits over two innings.

Defensively, Graceland struggled with situational execution, as the Ravens tallied runs in four separate frames. Benedictine catcher R. Myers led all hitters, going 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI, while outfielder M. Forsman added a sacrifice fly. The Ravens compiled eight hits and capitalized on two Yellowjacket errors to put the game out of reach.

Game Two: Benedictine 2, Graceland 0 (9 Innings)

Senior right-hander Sammi Bradshaw (Livonia, Mo.) turned in one of her best performances of the season in game two, tossing 8.1 innings while holding the Ravens to five hits and two runs, striking out five. However, a ninth-inning home run by K. Fisher broke a scoreless tie and handed Graceland its second loss of the day.

Bradshaw (8-11) had kept Benedictine in check until the bottom of the ninth, when a two-run shot to right-center by Fisher scored R. Martin, who reached on a wild pitch after a swinging strikeout.

Graceland managed just three hits off Benedictine's B. Selvage (11-8), who struck out seven in a complete-game effort. The Yellowjackets' offense included singles from sophomore Kaitlyn Cook (De Soto, Kan.), sophomore Paige Pialet, and junior catcher Malorie McKinney (Knoxville, Iowa), but runners were stranded and base paths remained quiet throughout.

Sophomore Kady Vandemark (Norwalk, Iowa) and Bradshaw each executed sacrifice bunts, but the Yellowjackets failed to move runners into scoring position in key innings. Cook was caught stealing in the ninth, ending Graceland's final scoring opportunity.

From the Dugout

"Our pitchers gave us a chance in both games," head coach Todd Verwers said. "Sammi was outstanding in game two, and she deserved more run support. We have to do a better job at the plate executing in pressure moments. These are the kinds of matchups that prepare us for the grind of the conference schedule."

Up Next

Graceland will next take the field on Friday, April 12, hosting the William Penn Statesmen for a doubleheader at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Yellowjackets will then welcome Culver-Stockton College on Saturday for another twin bill, also set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both doubleheaders will be played at North Park in Lamoni..

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