Graceland Softball Splits Road Doubleheader at Southwestern
WINFIELD, Kan. — The Graceland University softball team earned a split Friday afternoon against Southwestern, securing a 5-1 victory in the opener before falling 5-4 in the second game in nonconference action at Broadway Sports Complex. The Yellowjackets now stand at 1-7 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Southwestern improved to 3-1 overall (0-0 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference) following the doubleheader.
In Game 1, Graceland used timely extra-base production and a complete-game performance in the circle to secure its first win of the season. According to the official box score , the Yellowjackets scored five runs on six hits while limiting Southwestern to three hits.
Southwestern opened the scoring in the third inning when Aubrey Allison delivered an RBI double, scoring Taylor Mesna for a 1-0 advantage. Graceland responded in the fourth inning with a decisive three-run frame. Singles by Makenzie Leake and Malorie McKinney, along with a walk drawn by Josie McCuddin, loaded the bases for Gracyn Beckman, who delivered a three-RBI double to left center, clearing the bases and giving the Yellowjackets a 3-1 lead.
Graceland added two insurance runs in the fifth inning. Gracie Dickson singled to open the frame, and Sydney Bears reached on an error by Ellie Kucera, allowing Dickson to score. Later in the inning, Makenzie Leake executed a sacrifice fly to center field, driving in Bears and extending the lead to 5-1.
In the circle, Kaylee Henry (1-0) was efficient and composed. The freshman right-hander worked 7.0 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts on 72 pitches. Henry induced nine ground-ball outs and retired the final seven hitters she faced. Southwestern starter Faith Campbell (0-1) suffered the loss despite recording nine strikeouts over seven innings.
Game 2 featured early offensive execution from both sides, but Southwestern capitalized late to secure the 5-4 decision. Per the official statistics , Graceland totaled 11 hits but committed two errors in the loss.
The Yellowjackets struck first in the third inning. Hallie Chamberlin opened the frame with a single, and after advancing into scoring position, scored on a Sydney Bears RBI double. Makenzie Leake followed with an RBI double, and Gracyn Beckman added an RBI single, giving Graceland a 3-0 advantage after four consecutive hits.
Southwestern answered in the bottom half of the inning when Taylor Mesna recorded an RBI single, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Graceland extended the lead to 4-1 in the fifth inning when Alyssa Good scored on a wild pitch, following a sequence that advanced runners into scoring position.
The momentum shifted in the bottom of the fifth and sixth innings. Southwestern plated two runs in the fifth, aided by an error and an RBI double from Aubrey Allison. In the sixth, Jolie Boyd delivered an RBI single, and Tiara Henry followed with a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Eliana Ortiz and giving Southwestern its first lead of the game at 5-4.
In the circle, Makenzie Leake (0-1) started and allowed three earned runs over five innings. Kaylee Henry and McKenna Kelley combined for relief appearances in the sixth inning. Southwestern's Emma Willesden (1-0) earned the win and recorded the save after working the final two innings without allowing a run.
Offensively, Graceland collected 11 hits, including two doubles each from Sydney Bears and Makenzie Leake. Hallie Chamberlin added two hits, while Gracie Dickson also finished with two hits. The Yellowjackets produced four extra-base hits but were limited to one walk and left four runners stranded.
Head coach Todd Verwers emphasized both the progress and areas for continued improvement.
"We showed growth in our offensive approach and executed well in Game 1 behind Kaylee's performance in the circle," Verwers said. "In Game 2, we strung together quality at-bats and produced extra-base hits, but defensive execution and finishing innings must improve. We are building consistency, and our focus remains on situational awareness and limiting free bases."
The split provided valuable early-season competition as Graceland prepares for tournament play. The Yellowjackets combined for 17 hits and five doubles across the two games while generating consistent contact through the middle of the order.
Graceland returns to action Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. CST against York (Neb.) at the Turfs Up Tournament at Branson Rec Plex in Branson, Missouri.
For more information on Graceland softball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.