Graceland Women's Basketball Secures Dominant Win Over William Penn

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University women's basketball team secured a commanding 73-54 victory over William Penn University on Saturday afternoon at the Morden Center. With the win, the Yellowjackets improve to 7-13 overall and 5-11 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play, while William Penn drops to 3-17 overall and 2-14 in conference action.

Graceland's offensive execution and defensive pressure were pivotal in the victory, as they held William Penn to just 33.9% shooting from the field and forced 19 turnovers. The Yellowjackets capitalized with 19 points off turnovers and maintained control on the glass with a 39-33 rebounding edge.

Game Recap

Graceland took a slim 15-14 lead at the end of the first quarter and built momentum heading into halftime with an 18-8 second-quarter surge. The Yellowjackets extended their lead in the third quarter, outscoring the Statesmen 15-13, and closed out the game with a dominant 25-19 fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Statistical Leaders

• Kymani Freeman: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals
• Nateonia Russell: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals
• Sophia Rodriguez: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4-8 from three-point range
• Avery Walker-Henry: 10 points, 1 assist, 1 steal

As a team, Graceland shot 39.3% from the field, including 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their free-throw shooting proved crucial down the stretch, converting 16-of-24 attempts (66.7%).

William Penn Overview

William Penn struggled to establish offensive rhythm, finishing with an 8-for-31 (25.8%) mark from three-point range and 50% from the free-throw line. Aysia Arrowood led the Statesmen with 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Carley West contributed 11 points and 9 rebounds.

Despite their efforts to close the gap in the second half, William Penn could not contain Graceland's balanced scoring attack.

Looking Ahead

Graceland will next play this Wednesday against Benedictine College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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