GU Drops Pair at Branson Tournament Against Oklahoma City and Science and Arts
BRANSON, Mo. — The Graceland University softball team suffered two losses Friday at the Branson Rec Plex, falling 18-0 in five innings to Oklahoma City and 6-2 to Science and Arts. Graceland moves to 3-11 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference). Oklahoma City improves to 8-3, while Science and Arts advances to 10-4 overall (1-1 conference).
Oklahoma City established control early in the opener, scoring five runs in the first inning behind multiple extra-base hits and a two-run home run. The Stars added single runs in the second and third innings before breaking the game open with a nine-run fourth inning that included two additional home runs and consistent gap-to-gap contact.
Graceland was limited offensively, producing two hits over five innings. McKenna Kelley recorded a double to center field in the third inning, and Sydney Bears added a single in the first. The Yellowjackets put two runners aboard in the opening frame but were unable to advance either into scoring position.
McKenna Kelley started in the circle, working 2 2/3 innings. Makenzie Leake entered in relief during the third inning, and Kaylee Henry finished the final 1 1/3 innings. The Stars tallied 20 hits, including three home runs and multiple doubles, applying pressure throughout the lineup.
Defensively, Graceland recorded 15 putouts and seven assists. Josie McCuddin registered four assists at shortstop, while Gracie Dickson secured three putouts in right field.
In the second contest, Science and Arts used a decisive five-run fifth inning to secure a 6-2 victory. Graceland matched the Drovers through four innings before defensive miscues and timely extra-base hits shifted momentum in the bottom half of the fifth.
Science and Arts opened the scoring in the first inning with a sacrifice fly. Graceland answered in the fourth when Josie McCuddin singled to center field and later scored on a double by Gracyn Beckman, tying the contest at 1-1.
The Drovers capitalized in the fifth inning, stringing together five hits, including a triple and a two-run home run, to take a 6-1 lead. Graceland committed two infield errors during the frame, extending the inning and allowing unearned runs to score.
The Yellowjackets responded in the sixth inning. Makenzie Leake singled up the middle, and Josie McCuddin followed with a double to left field. Gracyn Beckman delivered an RBI single to left, finishing 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Graceland stranded two runners in the inning and could not further trim the deficit.
Kaylee Henry started in the circle and worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs, three earned. McKenna Kelley entered in relief and delivered 1 2/3 scoreless innings, limiting hard contact and inducing three ground-ball outs.
Graceland totaled five hits in the contest. Josie McCuddin finished 2-for-3 with a double and two runs scored. Hallie Chamberlin added a stolen base, and Gracie Dickson drew a walk and stole second.
Head softball coach Todd Verwers emphasized execution in key moments.
"We have to eliminate extended innings and control the strike zone," Verwers said. "When we play clean defense and execute situational hitting, we compete. Our pitching staff continues to attack hitters, but we must support them by converting routine outs and minimizing free bases."
Graceland struck out 19 times across the two contests and left 10 runners on base. The Yellowjackets committed three errors defensively during the day.
The Yellowjackets return to action Saturday, Feb. 28, facing Greenville at 12 p.m. CST, followed by Saint Mary at 1 p.m. CST at the Branson Rec Plex in Branson, Missouri, as part of the Branson Showtime Tournament.
For more information on Graceland softball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.