Graceland Flag Football Falls to Baker in KCAC Quarterfinals, Caps Historic Season
RIVERSIDE, Mo. – The Graceland University Yellowjackets' inaugural appearance in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Women's Flag Football Tournament came to an end Friday evening, falling 38-0 to No. 3 seed Baker University at the Riverside Practice Facility.
The No. 6 seed Yellowjackets, who concluded the 2025 season with a 13-9 overall record, battled through all four quarters but could not find the end zone against Baker's aggressive rush and zone defensive schemes. Despite the loss, the Yellowjackets secured their first-ever berth in the KCAC tournament in program history, a significant milestone for the rising Graceland program.
Baker University opened scoring early in the first quarter with a 6-yard scramble from Tara Llorent, though the extra-point attempt failed. Graceland's defense, anchored by standout performances from linebacker Kylie Overkamp and defensive back Aiyanna Hannah, limited early damage but faced sustained pressure throughout the game. Overkamp led the Yellowjackets with six solo flag pulls, two sacks, and two tackles for loss.
In the second quarter, Baker extended its lead with touchdown receptions from Jaylin Harris and Kaley Phillips, operating efficiently out of spread formations. Graceland's offense, led by quarterback Shyla Barrios, struggled to gain traction against Baker's blitz-heavy pressure, managing seven first downs but only 100 total yards of offense.
Coming out of halftime, Baker continued its aerial attack. Llorent connected with Harris again on a 23-yard touchdown pass to open the third quarter and added another score to Harris later in the frame, stretching the lead to 31-0. Graceland attempted to answer with a no-huddle, quick-out passing strategy, but two key sacks and an interception halted momentum.
Baker sealed the game in the fourth quarter with a 49-yard rushing touchdown from Phillips, showcasing their run-pass option prowess.
Barrios finished 12-of-27 passing for 82 yards with one interception, finding top targets Kymani Freeman and Ahmari Byrd across short and intermediate routes. Freeman hauled in four receptions for 46 yards, while Byrd added three catches for 24 yards.
Graceland's defensive secondary showed flashes of resilience, as Grace Jensen recorded an interception in the first half, and Freeman added another takeaway later in the game. However, the offense's inability to sustain drives – totaling only 12 net rushing yards – kept the defense on the field for long stretches.
After the game, Head Coach Aaron Richardson praised his team's growth and grit throughout the season:
"I'm proud of what our team accomplished this year. Getting to the KCAC tournament for the first time in school history speaks volumes about the effort these young women put in day after day," Richardson said. "We faced a tough Baker squad today who executed really well in all phases. Our players never backed down, played every flag, every snap with heart. This is just the beginning for Graceland flag football."
The Yellowjackets' journey to the postseason was fueled by a versatile offensive system and aggressive defensive schemes that challenged opponents throughout the spring. Graceland showcased strong wins during the regular season, featuring a balanced offensive attack, rapid flag-pulling, and disciplined zone coverages that became hallmarks of their 2025 identity.
With the KCAC tournament elimination, the Yellowjackets now turn their attention to offseason conditioning, recruiting, and preparations for the 2026 campaign. Returning players are expected to build on the foundational successes laid this season under Richardson's leadership.
Although Graceland's season concludes, the KCAC tournament continues. No. 3 seed Baker University advances to the KCAC semifinals and will face No. 2 seed Ottawa University. The semifinal contest is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Tonganoxie Sports Complex in Tonganoxie, Kansas.
Graceland University finishes its historic 2025 season at 13-9 overall, marking a major step forward for the Yellowjackets' flag football program.
For more information about Graceland University flag football and all Graceland athletics programs, please visit GUjackets.com.