Graceland Softball Falls to Clarke in Season Finale
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets closed out their 2025 season on Sunday afternoon, dropping both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) doubleheader to Clarke University at North Park.
The Yellowjackets fell 9-6 in Game 1 and 2-1 in Game 2. With the results, Graceland finishes the year at 12-36 overall and 5-19 in HAAC play, while Clarke concludes its season at 22-23 overall and 8-15 in the conference.
In Game 1, Graceland broke out offensively after an extended cold stretch, posting nine hits and six runs. Sophomore Kaitlyn Cook went 3-for-4 with two RBIs, while junior Malorie McKinney added three hits and three RBIs. Freshman Makalah Marler, sophomore Aliyah Farrell, and senior Jayda Gay also contributed to a sixth-inning rally that brought Graceland within two runs.
The Pirates, led by freshman Lauren Hefel with three hits and three RBIs, built an early lead by scoring six runs in the first two innings. Despite Graceland's late push, Clarke added insurance runs in the sixth and seventh innings to secure the win.
Junior pitcher Kady Vandemark took the loss for Graceland, working four innings and allowing seven runs (six earned). Sophomore Allison Henry pitched the final three innings, giving up two runs on five hits.
Game 2 saw Graceland take an early 1-0 lead when freshman catcher Brooklynn Glasgow drove in Charlee Peters with a second-inning RBI single. However, Clarke answered with two unearned runs in the sixth inning, helped by hits from junior Mya Durr and freshman Lauren Hefel.
Senior pitcher Sammi Bradshaw threw a complete game for the Yellowjackets, allowing five hits and striking out nine while yielding no earned runs. Sophomore Payge Pyszka earned the win for Clarke with a four-hit, one-run performance over seven innings.
The losses bring an end to a challenging stretch for Graceland, who closed the season on a 14-game losing streak. Offensively, the Yellowjackets showed resolve in the season finale, after managing just five total runs across their previous 12 contests.
"These young women never stopped competing, and I'm proud of the way they fought today and all season," said head coach Todd Verwers. "Even during tough stretches, their work ethic and character never wavered. We laid the groundwork for future success, and I'm grateful for our seniors who helped build that foundation."
Gay, a senior shortstop, finished her final games by collecting multiple hits and playing steady defense. McKinney capped her junior campaign as one of Graceland's most consistent hitters, while Cook emerged as a key contributor at the plate and in the field.
Graceland's defense showed improvement throughout the weekend, particularly behind strong infield play from Cook and Glasgow, as well as outfield coverage from freshmen Alyssa Good and Makalah Marler.
For Clarke, Hefel led the offense with four total RBIs across both games, while junior Kaylie Holtam added two hits and an RBI in Game 1. Freshman Harlee Makue-Vasconcellos also scored multiple runs for the Pride.
With the losses, Graceland fell short of qualifying for the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament, ending its 2025 campaign outside the postseason field.
The Yellowjackets now look ahead to offseason development, returning a strong nucleus that includes Cook, McKinney, Vandemark, and several talented freshmen.
For more information on Graceland softball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.