Graceland Falls to Baker on Senior Day Despite Fourth-Quarter Push
LAMONI, Iowa – The Graceland University women's basketball team honored its graduating seniors on Saturday afternoon inside the Morden Center but was unable to cap off the night with a win, falling 74-62 to Baker University. Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally, the Yellowjackets couldn't overcome a sluggish second and third quarter.
The loss drops Graceland to 8-18 overall and 6-16 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), while Baker improves to 7-17 overall and 6-16 in conference play.
Prior to tip-off, Graceland recognized its five graduating seniors for their contributions to the program: Avery Walker-Henry, Camila Barreno, Ianara Morbidoni, Bene Butler, and Jakyah Amous. Each senior was celebrated in a special pregame ceremony in front of the home crowd, with teammates and fans showing their appreciation for their dedication to the Yellowjackets.
Graceland opened the game with a strong first-quarter effort, shooting 46.7% from the field to take a 19-15 lead. Walker-Henry and Kymani Freeman knocked down early shots, giving the Yellowjackets an early advantage.
Baker responded with a dominant second quarter, outscoring Graceland 22-11 while shooting 64.3% from the field. The Wildcats capitalized on turnovers and defensive breakdowns, led by Sophia Barrett's inside play and Alyssa Morris' perimeter shooting.
The struggles continued into the third quarter, where Graceland managed just eight points and shot 16.7% from the floor. Baker extended its lead to 20 points before Graceland attempted a final rally in the fourth quarter.
The Yellowjackets showed resilience in the final period, outscoring Baker 24-17, behind strong play from Walker-Henry and Morbidoni, who combined for 16 fourth-quarter points. Graceland improved its efficiency, shooting 41.2% from the field and 42.9% from three in the fourth. However, the early deficit was too large to overcome, and Baker secured the win at the free-throw line.
Walker-Henry led Graceland with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Morbidoni added 10 points and a rebound. Freeman contributed 10 points and 5 rebounds, and Nateonia Russell finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Genesis Alarcon chipped in 6 points and 3 rebounds.
For Baker, Alyssa Morris finished with 19 points and 5 rebounds, while Sophia Barrett recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Taniya Tease added 10 points and 5 assists, and Destiny Kiner had 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Following the game, Graceland head coach Willie Scott reflected on his team's performance and the areas that need improvement.
"We need to become more consistent. We can look really good at times, and other times I'm not sure who we are. We're struggling with scoring at times and need to do a better job defensively late in games. When we mentally and physically break down, it's hard to pull off a win."
The Yellowjackets struggled with efficiency, shooting 31.8% from the field and 25.0% from three, while Baker capitalized on its opportunities, finishing at 52.0% from the floor and 50.0% from beyond the arc. Graceland also committed nine turnovers and was out-rebounded 38-28, which proved costly in their inability to sustain offensive momentum.
Graceland will look to regroup as they return to action this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., hosting Peru State inside the Morden Center on Graceland's beautiful campus in Lamoni, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.