Graceland Women's Basketball Falls to Benedictine in Conference Matchup

LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University women's basketball team faced off against Benedictine College (KS) on Wednesday night at Morden Center, ultimately falling 72-58 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) action.

With the loss, Graceland moves to 7-14 overall and 5-12 in conference play, while Benedictine improves to 10-8 overall and 6-3 in the Heart.

Benedictine capitalized on an efficient first-half shooting performance and a strong rebounding effort to secure the win. The Ravens shot 42.6% from the field, including a 52.9% mark in the first quarter, while holding Graceland to 39.3% overall.

Graceland's Kymani Freeman led all scorers with 21 points, adding five rebounds and three steals in 35 minutes of action. Sophia Rodriguez contributed 12 points, knocking down two three-pointers, while Genesis Alarcon led the team on the glass with nine rebounds.

Benedictine used a balanced scoring attack, with Kennedy Nicholson pacing the Ravens with 15 points, including four three-pointers. Lauryn Dubbert facilitated the offense with six assists, while Riley Bruggeman provided a strong presence on the boards, securing nine rebounds.

Graceland trailed 21-15 after the first quarter, with Avery Walker-Henry connecting on an early three-pointer to spark the offense. The Ravens extended their lead in the second quarter, outscoring the Yellowjackets 23-13 to take a 44-28 advantage into halftime.

Despite a defensive surge from Graceland in the third quarter, holding Benedictine to just 13.3% shooting (2-for-15) from the floor, the Yellowjackets were unable to capitalize on the offensive end, managing just 13 points in the frame. The Ravens responded in the fourth quarter, closing the game with an 18-17 edge to seal the win.

Following the contest, Graceland head coach Willie Scott reflected on his team's performance and areas for improvement.

"We have to be better in our execution on both ends of the floor," Scott said. "Benedictine took advantage of second-chance opportunities, and we struggled to close possessions with defensive rebounds. There were moments where we played with great intensity, but we need to sustain that for a full 40 minutes."

Key Statistics

• Field Goal Percentage: Graceland 39.3% (22-56), Benedictine 42.6% (29-68)
• Three-Point Percentage: Graceland 23.8% (5-21), Benedictine 26.3% (5-19)
• Free Throw Percentage: Graceland 52.9% (9-17), Benedictine 60.0% (9-15)
• Rebounds: Benedictine 48, Graceland 26
• Assists: Benedictine 18, Graceland 6
• Turnovers: Both teams with 18
• Points in the Paint: Benedictine 42, Graceland 32
• Bench Points: Benedictine 22, Graceland 8

Graceland will return to action on Saturday, February 1, against Central Methodist University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM in Fayette, Mo., at Puckett Fieldhouse.

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