LAMONI, Iowa  – The Graceland University women's soccer team fell to Culver-Stockton College in a 3-0 defeat at home on Wednesday. The match, held at Lamoni, Iowa, saw Culver-Stockton's relentless offense and disciplined defense control the game, leaving the Yellowjackets to search for their second conference win. With this loss, Graceland's season record drops to 3-4-2 and 0-2-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play.

The visiting Wildcats (6-1-1, 1-1-0 HAAC) got on the board late in the first half with an unassisted goal by Maggie Tuxhorn at the 39:49 mark. Tuxhorn capitalized on a set piece opportunity, firing a shot past Graceland's goalkeeper, Maggie Peterson, after a failed clearance attempt by the Yellowjacket defense. The goal was the culmination of sustained pressure by Culver-Stockton, who registered six corner kicks in the first half alone.

Graceland, struggling to maintain possession early on, managed just one shot on goal in the first half. Caitlin Lageman was able to test Wildcats' goalkeeper Mackenzie Frizzell with a shot on target, but Frizzell stood firm, denying Lageman's effort to keep the Wildcats' lead intact.

In the second half, Culver-Stockton doubled its lead in the 59th minute. Alayna Chandler-Guti added her first goal of the game with an unassisted strike that took advantage of a defensive miscommunication by the Graceland backline. Chandler-Guti, who proved to be a constant threat throughout the match, notched her second goal of the night just seven minutes later, assisted by Rian Moore. Moore delivered a well-timed pass into the box, allowing Chandler-Guti to finish from close range, making it 3-0 in favor of the Wildcats.

Despite the scoreline, Graceland's defense had moments of resilience, with Peterson making six saves across 90 minutes. However, the inability to match Culver-Stockton's offensive pressure and a lack of finishing in the attacking third ultimately doomed the Yellowjackets. Graceland managed seven total shots, four of which were on goal, but the Wildcats' defense, led by goalkeeper Frizzell, remained impenetrable.

Graceland's offense sparked in the final third of the match, with several close attempts. Lageman was active throughout the second half, recording three shots on goal, but her efforts were repeatedly saved by Frizzell. Cassidy Andrews and Chloe Montera also saw chances, but their shots either missed the mark or were comfortably handled by Culver-Stockton's defense.

In his post-match comments, Graceland head coach Randall Porter expressed disappointment with the result but remained optimistic about the team's development.

"This was a tough loss, no question," said Porter. "But I'm proud of the work we've been putting in. We have a young squad this season, and you can see how much growth is taking place with every game. If we stay committed and keep our focus, good things will come. It's just a matter of time."

The match saw a total of three yellow cards handed out, including one to Graceland's Aroa Gallego in the 66th minute following a foul near midfield. Culver-Stockton's Savannah Stauffer and McKenna Little also received cautions in the 37th and 61st minutes, respectively.

Graceland will need to regroup quickly as they aim to get back on track against Central Methodist, next Monday in Fayette, MO with a 5pm start time.

Stay tuned to GUjackets.com for continuing coverage of Graceland women's soccer and all of Jacket athletics.