Graceland Softball Splits Four Games at Branson Bash

BRANSON, Mo. – The Graceland University Yellowjackets softball team wrapped up the Branson Bash with a 2-2 record, splitting games across the two-day event. The Yellowjackets secured victories over Calumet College of St. Joseph (9-4) and Olivet Nazarene (7-2), while dropping contests against Sterling College (12-1) and York University (6-5).

Head coach Todd Verwers highlighted the team's resilience and development through the tournament:
"We saw a lot of positives this weekend. Our pitching staff did a solid job, and we had timely hitting when we needed it. While we didn't play our cleanest softball in every game, we showed toughness and made adjustments. This tournament gave us a good gauge of where we are, and we'll continue working to get better each week."

Game Summaries

Friday, February 7

Graceland 9, Calumet College of St. Joseph 4
Graceland opened the tournament with an explosive offensive performance, powered by a four-run third inning and a three-run sixth. J. Gay delivered a key grand slam, finishing the game with five RBIs. A. Farrell and C. Peters also drove in runs to support starting pitcher P. Pialet, who went the distance, allowing four earned runs while striking out two.

• Offensive Leaders:
  • J. Gay: 2-for-3, 5 RBIs, HR
  • C. Peters: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs, 2B
  • A. Farrell: 1-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run

York University 6, Graceland 5
In a closely contested matchup, Graceland led for most of the game before York University staged a five-run rally in the seventh inning. The Yellowjackets put together a response in the bottom of the frame, but the late comeback attempt fell short. A. Farrell led the offense with two RBIs, while S. Bradshaw pitched a complete game, striking out nine batters.

• Offensive Leaders:
  • A. Farrell: 1-for-3, 2 RBIs, 2B
  • S. Bradshaw: 1-for-3, 1 RBI
  • K. Cook: 1-for-1, 2 walks, 2 runs scored

Saturday, February 8

Graceland 7, Olivet Nazarene 2
The Yellowjackets bounced back with a dominant 7-2 win over Olivet Nazarene, fueled by a five-run second inning. S. Bradshaw came through with a three-run double, while C. Peters and K. Cook each added RBIs. Bradshaw also handled pitching duties, throwing a complete game, allowing just two runs on six hits, and striking out seven.

• Offensive Leaders:
  • S. Bradshaw: 2-for-5, 3 RBIs, 2B
  • K. Cook: 2-for-2, 1 RBI, 3 BBs
  • C. Peters: 2-for-4, 1 RBI, 1 run

Sterling College 12, Graceland 1 (5 Innings)
Graceland struggled in its final game of the tournament as Sterling's offense overwhelmed the Yellowjackets, scoring 12 runs on 16 hits. The Jackets managed only two hits, including an RBI single from A. Farrell. Sterling's pitching limited Graceland's lineup, while the Yellowjackets' defense committed three errors.

• Offensive Leaders:
  • A. Farrell: 1-for-1, 1 RBI
  • S. Bradshaw: 1-for-2, 1 run

Team Performance & Takeaways

• Offense: The Yellowjackets produced 21 runs over four games, averaging 5.3 runs per game. Key hitters J. Gay, S. Bradshaw, and A. Farrell provided run production throughout the weekend.
• Pitching: P. Pialet and S. Bradshaw carried the load in the circle, each delivering strong outings. Bradshaw recorded a seven-strikeout complete game vs. Olivet Nazarene, while Pialet held Calumet to four runs across seven innings.
• Defense: Graceland had some struggles defensively, committing six errors across four games, which allowed extra scoring opportunities for opponents.

Up Next

The Yellowjackets (5-2) will travel to Columbia, Mo., for a four-game series against Stephens College on Friday and Saturday.

For more information on Graceland softball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.