Mount Mercy shuts out Graceland in Sunday HAAC doubleheader

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University softball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) doubleheader Sunday at North Park, falling 9-0 in five innings and 3-0 to visiting Mount Mercy University. With the results, Graceland moves to 10-21 overall and 3-5 in HAAC play, while Mount Mercy improves to 16-19 overall and 6-7 in conference action.

In Game 1, Mount Mercy opened the day with a three-run first inning and added three more in the third to take control early. The Mustangs totaled 12 hits, including a home run and three RBIs from Courtney Janik and a two-RBI double by Madi Petersen. Senior pitcher Paige Pialet (1-11) took the loss after surrendering six earned runs on nine hits over 2.2 innings. She was relieved by Kylie Vandemark and Aubrie Henry, who combined to finish the game. Graceland managed just three hits, including a leadoff double from Kayleigh Cook and singles from Madilyn Marler and Courtney Peters. Marler also stole a base. Despite a promising first-inning rally, the Yellowjackets were shut down by Mount Mercy starter Aubree McElvain, who struck out nine in five shutout innings.

In Game 2, the Yellowjackets stayed within striking distance until a three-run top of the fourth gave Mount Mercy all the offense it needed. The Mustangs struck with back-to-back solo home runs from Janik and Petersen, followed by an RBI single from Reagan Goodfellow. Senior Sammi Bradshaw (6-8) took the loss, despite another quality start. The right-hander allowed three earned runs on six hits, striking out six and walking two in a complete-game effort. Bradshaw now owns a 2.22 ERA with 149 strikeouts on the season. Graceland finished with four hits in the loss. Sophomore Jozie Gay went 2-for-2 with a walk and a double in the seventh inning. Cook and Ashlyn Farrell each added a base hit. The Jackets left nine runners on base and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position. Mount Mercy used Maddie McNally and Addison Webb in the circle, combining for 12 strikeouts while limiting Graceland to scattered threats.

"We're right there in these games, and it's a matter of timely execution," head coach Todd Verwers said. "Sammi continues to give us excellent outings in the circle, and our defense was steady. But when you strand that many runners and don't produce with runners in scoring position, it's hard to come away with results. We've got to keep grinding and trust that the offense will come around."

Up next: Graceland returns to North Park on Tuesday, April 8, to host Missouri Valley College in a HAAC doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 3 p.m., with Game 2 to follow at 5 p.m. in Lamoni, Iowa.

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