Graceland Softball Drops Heart Doubleheader to William Penn

The Graceland University Yellowjackets dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to William Penn University on Thursday afternoon at North Park in Lamoni. Graceland fell 9-1 in five innings in the opener and 9-1 in six innings in the nightcap. With the setbacks, the Yellowjackets fall to 12-28 overall and 5-11 in conference play, while William Penn improves to 23-17 overall and 7-9 in the Heart.

Game 1: William Penn 9, Graceland 1 (5 innings)

Graceland struck first in the bottom of the opening frame when Kady Vandemark drew a two-out walk and later scored on an RBI single to center field by Malorie McKinney, giving the Yellowjackets an early 1-0 lead.

The Statesmen answered with a solo homer from Laila Smith in the fourth and exploded for six runs in the fifth, including a stretch of three consecutive home runs by Smith, Chelsey Huff, and Tori Smith.

Sydney Bradshaw started in the circle for Graceland and took the loss, surrendering seven earned runs on eight hits over 4.2 innings, with six strikeouts. Carmie Johnson and Allison Henry combined for the final four outs, allowing two more runs to score in the sixth.

At the plate, Charlee Peters led Graceland with two hits, while Jayda Gay and Paige Pialet also contributed defensively behind a young pitching staff.

Game 2: William Penn 9, Graceland 1 (6 innings)

William Penn wasted no time jumping ahead in game two, plating two runs in the top of the first on a two-RBI double by Huff. After adding a run in the fourth, the Statesmen once again broke the game open with six runs in the fifth, aided by a Graceland defensive error and a three-run home run by Smith — her second of the day.

Graceland scored its lone run in the bottom of the fifth when Jayda Gay reached on a single, stole second, and came home on an RBI single from Charlee Peters, who finished the day 4-for-6 across both games.

Pialet took the loss for the Yellowjackets, allowing nine runs (five earned) on 12 hits over 5.0 innings, while striking out three. Despite the final line, she battled through traffic and avoided further damage until the fifth-inning rally.

Coach's comments

Despite the tough doubleheader, Graceland head coach Todd Verwers remained focused on the team's continued effort and leadership.

"We knew William Penn brought a strong offensive group, and they showed it today," Verwers said. "But I thought our team competed hard, especially in the circle. Chloe [Peters] was fantastic at the plate, and our seniors showed composure throughout. We'll keep building and get ready to honor those seniors in front of our home crowd."

Up next

Graceland returns to action Saturday, April 19, at North Park in Lamoni, hosting Culver-Stockton College in a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader. First pitch is set for 1 p.m., with game two to follow at approximately 3 p.m.

Between games, Graceland will celebrate Senior Day, honoring Jayda Gay, Charlee Peters, and Sammi Bradshaw for their commitment, leadership, and impact on the program.

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