Graceland Softball Wraps Up Successful Opening Weekend with Saturday Split
ARLINGTON, Texas – The Graceland University softball team concluded their season-opening road trip with a split on Saturday, earning a hard-fought 3-1 victory in extra innings in the opener before dropping the final game of the weekend, 5-4. The Yellowjackets return home with a 3-1 record, a promising start to their 2025 campaign.
Head coach Todd Verwers praised his team's strong opening weekend, saying, "These four games showcased what we're capable of as a team. Winning three out of four games on the road against a competitive team is a great way to start the season. Saturday's games especially tested our resilience, and I'm proud of how we fought through tough situations. This weekend sets the tone for what we can accomplish this season."
Game 1: Graceland 3, Arlington Baptist 1 (8 Innings)
In Saturday's opener, the Yellowjackets pulled off a thrilling extra-inning win, driven by an outstanding performance from Sammi Bradshaw, who pitched a complete game, allowing just two hits and striking out 12.
With the score tied 1-1 entering the eighth inning, Malorie McKinney scored on an error by the Arlington Baptist left fielder to give Graceland the lead. Brooklyn Glasgow followed with a clutch RBI double, driving in Bradshaw for an insurance run.
Bradshaw finished the game by retiring the side in the bottom of the eighth to secure the victory.
Key Performers for Graceland:
- Sammi Bradshaw (W, 2-0): 8.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 12 K
- Brooklyn Glasgow: 1-for-4, 1 RBI, double
- Malorie McKinney: 1-for-3, 1 run
Game 2: Arlington Baptist 5, Graceland 4
The Yellowjackets came up just short in the second game, dropping a 5-4 decision in a tightly contested matchup. Arlington Baptist capitalized on timely hitting and Graceland errors to edge out the victory.
Kady Vandemark and Paige Pialet split pitching duties for the Yellowjackets, with Vandemark working in relief. Offensively, Sammi Bradshaw contributed two RBIs, while Charlee Peters and Jayda Gay added key hits to keep the game within reach.
Graceland scored a run in the top of the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Jayda Gay, bringing the Yellowjackets within one, but they were unable to push across the tying run in the seventh inning.
Key Performers for Graceland:
- Sammi Bradshaw: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs
- Charlee Peters: 2-for-4
- Jayda Gay: 1-for-3, 1 RBI
Looking Ahead
The Yellowjackets will return to action on Friday, February 7, against York College at 10:30 a.m. in Branson, Missouri, as part of the 2025 Branson Bash.
For more information on Graceland softball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.