McCuddin Homers Twice as Yellowjackets Fall to Greenville and Saint Mary

BRANSON, Mo. — The Graceland University softball team dropped two nonconference contests Friday, falling 7-5 to Greenville University and 11-1 to the University of Saint Mary. The Yellowjackets move to 3-13 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference). Greenville improved to 3-0 overall (0-0 SLIAC), while Saint Mary advanced to 7-7 overall (0-0 KCAC).

In the opener against Greenville, Graceland generated five runs on five hits, highlighted by a pair of home runs from junior shortstop Josie McCuddin, who drove in all five RBIs. McCuddin connected on a two-run home run in the first inning and a three-run homer in the third to give the Yellowjackets a 5-2 advantage.

Makenzie Leake added a double and scored twice, while Sydney Bears recorded a single. Graceland drew six walks but stranded six runners on base.

Greenville answered with 12 hits, including four from Rylee Bloomer and three from Emma Longcor. The Panthers plated three runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on defensive miscues to secure the 7-5 decision.

Leake worked 3.2 innings in the circle, allowing three earned runs. McKenna Kelley (1-3) was charged with the loss in relief.

In Game 2, Saint Mary recorded 12 hits in an 11-1 five-inning victory. The Spires scored five runs in the second inning and added four in the third, using five doubles to generate extra-base production.

Graceland was limited to five hits, with Makenzie Leake, Josie McCuddin, Gracyn Beckman, Sydney Bears and Paige Piper each recording a base hit. The Yellowjackets' lone run came on a sacrifice fly by Brea Headly in the fourth inning.

Kaylee Henry (0-1) took the loss after allowing six runs in 1.2 innings. Allie Henry provided 2.1 innings of relief work.

Head coach Todd Verwers addressed the team's performance following the twin bill.

"We executed offensively in stretches, particularly with timely extra-base hits," Verwers said. "Defensive consistency and limiting free bases are areas we must tighten up. Our focus remains on clean defensive innings and quality at-bats as we prepare for conference play."

Graceland returns to action Tuesday, March 3, traveling to Mission (Mo.) for a nonconference doubleheader scheduled for 2 p.m. CST and 4 p.m. CST at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex in Ozark, Missouri.

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