Graceland Softball Opens Season With Four-Game Weekend

LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets softball team completed a four-game weekend spanning Friday and Saturday, opening the 2026 regular season against Stephens College, McPherson College, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, and Olivet Nazarene University. The weekend featured extended innings, varied pitching matchups and multiple situational sequences as Graceland continued early-season nonconference play.

Graceland opened play Friday with a 6-4 loss to Stephens College, moving the Yellowjackets to 0-1 overall and 0-0 in conference play. Stephens improved to 1-0 overall and 0-0 in conference action. Stephens capitalized on early defensive miscues to build a lead, scoring six runs on five hits. Graceland responded with a two-run fourth inning and added two more runs in the sixth to tighten the margin late. Karlee Crouse finished 2-for-3 with two runs scored, while Gracie Dickson drove in both runs during the sixth inning. Makenzie Leake pitched a complete game, allowing five hits and striking out two across seven innings.

Later Friday, Graceland faced McPherson College in a nine-inning contest that ended in an 8-7 loss. The Yellowjackets fell to 0-2 overall, while McPherson improved to 2-0 overall, with both teams remaining 0-0 in conference play. The game featured multiple lead changes and extended innings, with Graceland scoring in six different frames. Makenzie Leake went 2-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs, while Alyssa Good posted a 3-for-3 performance with two RBIs. Josie McCuddin added an RBI double, and Graceland forced extra innings before McPherson scored the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Saturday's opener matched Graceland against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, resulting in an 8-0 loss in five innings. Graceland moved to 0-3 overall, while UHSP improved to 1-0 overall, with both teams still 0-0 in conference play. UHSP generated offense through consistent contact and extra-base hits, scoring in the first, third and fifth innings. The Yellowjackets were limited to three hits, with Brooklynn Glasgow recording a double in the third inning. UHSP posted nine hits and used a four-run fifth inning to secure the run-rule victory.

The weekend concluded Saturday evening against Olivet Nazarene University, with Graceland dropping a 9-1 decision. The Yellowjackets closed the weekend at 0-4 overall and 0-0 in conference play, while Olivet Nazarene improved to 1-0 overall and 0-0 in conference action. Olivet Nazarene scored in five separate innings and finished with 14 hits, applying steady pressure throughout the lineup. Graceland's lone run came in the first inning when Malorie McKinney drew a bases-loaded walk, allowing Karlee Crouse to score after reaching on a single. Graceland pitchers worked through consistent traffic, while Olivet Nazarene converted opportunities with runners in scoring position.

Across the four games, Graceland emphasized situational offense, defensive rotations and pitching depth against a range of opponents. The Yellowjackets generated baserunners through walks and extra-base hits but were challenged by extended defensive innings and opponents' ability to capitalize on miscues.

Head women's softball coach Todd Verwers highlighted the value of early-season competition. "We were put in a lot of game situations this weekend," Verwers said. "Extra innings, pressure at-bats and defensive stress test where we're at right now. Our focus moving forward is tightening execution, limiting extended innings and converting when we get runners on base."

Graceland will now turn its attention to the next stretch of regular-season play, traveling to Winfield, Kansas, for back-to-back twin bills. The Yellowjackets will face Southwestern on Friday, Feb. 13, at 1 p.m. CST at Broadway Sports Complex in Winfield, Kansas, opening a weekend road series as Graceland continues preparation ahead of conference competition.

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