Lamoni, IA - The Graceland women's basketball has been decimated by injuries and illness throughout the second half of the season and it's beginning to take its toll on the short-handed Jackets.

Facing conference power Benedictine College in Lamoni Thursday night, the feisty Jackets fell behind early, before rallying midway through the second half. Behind as many as 19 points in the first half, GU tied the game twice in the second half but was never able to get over the proverbial hump and ultimately fell, 68-61.

Coach Rich Harrop knows his team faces an uphill battle the second half of the season.

"I'm so proud of these women and their effort tonight," said Harrop after the loss. "They did everything we asked of them and showed great resolve.

"We only turned the ball over 14 times and our defensive pressure was outstanding," continued Harrop. "If we're going win games the second half of the season it's going to be with effort. If we play the rest of the year like we did tonight, we'll be in a good place come tourney time," finished Harrop.

The Jackets were led Thursday night by senior all-conference post player, Florida Siaosi. Siaosi finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds and a conference-leading 13th double-double of the year. Senior guards Alexis Robertson and Maleta Daughtery finished with 14 and 10 points respectively.

The Jackets move their overall record to 8-8 on the season and 3-7 in HAAC play. They'll next face MidAmerica Nazarene University this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Olathe, Kan.

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