Women’s Basketball Drops Hard-Fought Contest at Benedictine

ATCHISON, Kan. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets fell to the Benedictine Ravens 86-70 in an intense women's basketball game on Tuesday, November 26. Despite their relentless effort, the Yellowjackets were unable to overcome a challenging second half by the undefeated Ravens, who now improve to 6-0 overall and 4-0 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Graceland (2-6, 0-4 Heart) entered the game with strong momentum in the second quarter, cutting into Benedictine's lead with sharp shooting and improved defensive rebounds. The Yellowjackets converted 52.9% from the field during the second quarter, including five three-pointers, to narrow the gap to 38-34 at halftime. However, a dominant third quarter from the Ravens, in which they outscored Graceland 33-15, proved insurmountable.

Sophomore forward Jakyah Amous paced Graceland with a double-double performance, notching 11 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes of play. She was a key presence on the defensive boards and showed consistent effort in limiting Benedictine's second-chance opportunities. Guard Kayloni Smolley contributed 11 points and led the team with five assists, showcasing her ability to facilitate and create opportunities in the backcourt. Freshman Sophia Rodriguez also impressed, leading all Yellowjackets with 13 points, including three shots from beyond the arc.

As a team, the Yellowjackets shot 40.6% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Graceland capitalized on offensive setups with 16 total assists but struggled with turnovers, committing 18 compared to Benedictine's 13. The Ravens punished those mistakes, converting 20 points off turnovers and dominating in fast-break situations with 31 points.

Benedictine's interior scoring made a significant impact as they tallied 54 points in the paint, compared to Graceland's 24. Their rebounding advantage, with 48 total boards to Graceland's 40, also played a crucial role in their victory. Graceland's defensive efforts included several notable blocks from Avery Walker-Henry and active steals by Maxine Ampofo and others, but it wasn't enough to slow Benedictine's efficient shooting performance.

The Graceland Yellowjackets return to the court on Wednesday, December 4, as they host a conference matchup against Evangel University at 5:30 p.m. in the Morden Center. This contest marks a significant opportunity for the Yellowjackets to secure their first Heart of America victory as they prepare to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday.

For more information on the Graceland women's basketball team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.