Yellowjackets Drop Twin Bill to Baker in Conference Softball Matchup

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The Graceland University softball team dropped both games of a conference doubleheader Saturday to Baker University, falling 10-0 in the opener and 2-0 in Game 2 at Cavaness Field in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. The results move Graceland to 12-25 overall, 5-8 in HAAC, while Baker improves to 18-12 overall, 9-4 in conference.

In the first game, Baker used a three-run first inning to set the tone and never looked back. A pair of home runs from shortstop Riley Phillips, including a grand slam in the sixth, drove in six of the Wildcats' 10 runs. Graceland was limited to just two hits, one each from senior shortstop Jayda Gay and sophomore utility Kaitlyn Cook. Junior pitcher Paige Pialet went 5.2 innings, surrendering seven earned runs on 10 hits, while junior Kady Vandemark allowed three runs in relief.

Graceland had its best opportunity to score in the top of the first when Gay singled and stole second, but was left stranded. The Yellowjackets struggled with strikeouts, tallying 10 as a team in the loss.

In Game 2, the Yellowjackets saw an improved pitching performance from senior Sammi Bradshaw, who went the full six innings, allowing just five hits and two earned runs while striking out seven. However, the offense again couldn't get going, managing just one hit—a sixth-inning single by sophomore Paige Pialet.

Baker broke a scoreless tie in the fifth on an RBI single from Addison Greiner and extended the lead in the sixth with a successful sacrifice bunt RBI from Riley Phillips. Graceland's only base runner was erased on a fielder's choice to end the sixth. Bradshaw took the hard-luck loss, moving to 8-10 on the season.

"I was proud of the way we competed in the second game, especially the way Sammi battled in the circle," said head coach Todd Verwers. "We have to keep grinding. Our pitching and defense gave us a real chance today, but we have to find a way to get more quality at-bats and move runners. Baker's staff did a great job of keeping us off balance, and credit to them. We'll make adjustments and be ready to respond tomorrow."

The Wildcats' pitching was dominant throughout the day. In Game 1, Kaylee Baker and Bree Barchak combined for a two-hit shutout. In the second game, Taylor Eubank and Brynna Vicory allowed only one hit and no walks, with Vicory earning the win to improve to 3-0.

Defensively, Graceland committed just one error over both games, showing improvement in execution behind the pitchers. Catchers Brooklynn Glasgow and Malorie McKinney handled the game plans cleanly, with McKinney recording seven putouts in Game 2.

NEXT UP: Yellowjackets Head to Benedictine for Sunday Doubleheader

Graceland returns to action on Sunday, April 13, traveling to Atchison, Kansas, for a HAAC doubleheader against Benedictine College. First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Asher Sports Complex.

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