Graceland Honors Seniors in Doubleheader vs. Culver-Stockton

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets softball program celebrated Senior Day on Saturday at North Park, honoring the careers of Jayda Gay (Martensdale, IA), Charlee Peters (Norwalk, IA), and Sammi Bradshaw (Livonia, MO) in a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader against Culver-Stockton College. Despite strong individual moments, Graceland dropped both games, falling 12-1 in five innings in game one and 7-2 in game two.

With the results, Graceland moved to 12-32 overall and 5-15 in Heart play, while Culver-Stockton improved to 9-35 overall and 3-17 in the conference.

Game 1: Culver-Stockton 12, Graceland 1 (5 Innings)

Graceland opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run by senior shortstop Jayda Gay, tying the game at 1-1. However, the Wildcats took control with a solo home run from Lacey Stamper in the fourth and a 10-run fifth inning to enforce the run rule.

Culver-Stockton capitalized on timely hitting in the fifth, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple from Ryley Pecina and a string of RBI singles by Stamper, Myah Briese, and Hunter Huddle. Graceland used three pitchers: Paige Pialet, Allison Henry, and Carmie Johnson, who combined to allow 13 hits and 12 earned runs over five innings.

Graceland's offensive production included five hits, with Gay finishing 2-for-3 and driving in the lone run.

Game 2: Culver-Stockton 7, Graceland 2

The Yellowjackets remained competitive in game two, but a three-run fourth inning and four-run fifth from the Wildcats created a deficit Graceland could not overcome. The Wildcats relied on home runs from Kataleena Hunt and Pecina, as well as an RBI single by Tiffany Lepic.

Graceland plated runs in the fourth and seventh innings. In the fourth, Charlee Peters singled and later scored on an error following a ground ball from Kady Vandemark. In the seventh, Brooklynn Glasgow singled and scored on a sacrifice fly from Gay, recording her second RBI of the day.

Bradshaw pitched a complete game for Graceland, striking out nine while allowing seven earned runs on eight hits. The Yellowjackets scattered seven hits offensively, including two-hit performances from Pialet and Braelyn Windham.

Coach's Comments

Following the doubleheader, Graceland head coach Todd Verwers reflected on the contributions of the program's three senior student-athletes and the team's continued development.

"It was an emotional day for our program as we honored Jayda, Charlee, and Sammi. They've meant so much to this team, not just for their performance but for their leadership and commitment," said Verwers. "While the results didn't go our way, I'm proud of the way we competed. We'll regroup quickly and be ready to get back at it Monday."

Up Next

The Yellowjackets have a short turnaround as they remain home to host University of Saint Mary (NE) in another Heart doubleheader on Monday, April 21 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at North Park in Lamoni.

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