Graceland Softball Sweeps Saturday Doubleheader in Branson
BRANSON, Mo. — The Graceland University softball team (3-8) opened play Saturday with a doubleheader sweep, defeating Sterling College, 8-1, and Hannibal-LaGrange, 7-5, at the Branson Rec Plex.
In the opener, Graceland scored eight runs on eight hits and used a five-run fourth inning to separate from Sterling. The Yellowjackets took a 1-0 lead in the first when Sydney doubled and later scored on an RBI single by Makenzie Leake.
Sterling tied the game in the second, but Graceland responded in the fourth. The inning included run-scoring plays on an error, an RBI single by Leake, and a two-run sequence that extended the lead. Graceland added single runs in the fifth and sixth innings to secure the 8-1 result.
Makenzie Leake (W, 1-0) threw a complete game, allowing one run on two hits in seven innings. She struck out three and walked one, limiting Sterling to two hits over 22 batters faced. Graceland recorded 21 putouts and 10 assists, turning a double play in the sixth.
In game two, Graceland overcame a five-run deficit after two innings to defeat Hannibal-LaGrange, 7-5. The Yellowjackets scored in five different innings and held Hannibal-LaGrange scoreless over the final five frames.
Graceland finished with seven runs on 16 hits. McKenna Kelley led the lineup, going 3-for-5 with three runs and one RBI. Brooklynn Glasgow added three hits, while Leake and Gracie Dickson each drove in two runs. Sydney Bears recorded two hits and an RBI.
The decisive stretch came in the fourth inning when Graceland scored three runs to cut into the deficit. The Yellowjackets added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to take the lead.
In the circle, Kelley (W, 1-0) worked seven innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on 10 hits with two strikeouts and no walks. She induced 13 ground-ball outs and faced 33 batters. The zero-walk outing limited extended innings.
Head coach Todd Verwers said the team's approach remained consistent throughout both games.
"We stayed within our approach offensively and limited free passes in the circle," Verwers said. "We put balls in play, handled situational at-bats and finished innings defensively."
The sweep moves Graceland to 3-8 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference). Sterling falls to 3-9 overall (0-0 conference), and Hannibal-LaGrange drops to 0-4 overall (0-0 conference).
Graceland returns to action Friday, Feb. 27, facing Oklahoma City at 2 p.m. CST at the Branson Showtime Tournament at Branson Rec Plex in Branson, Missouri, followed by Science and Arts at 4 p.m. CST at the same venue.
For more information on Graceland softball and all of Graceland athletics visit GUjackets.com.