Yellowjackets Fall to Briar Cliff and Evangel in Branson Doubleheader

BRANSON, Missouri — The Graceland University softball team competed in a two-game slate Saturday at the Branson RecPlex, facing Briar Cliff (IA) in the opening game before returning to the field later in the afternoon against Evangel (MO). The Yellowjackets dropped both contests, falling 9-1 to Briar Cliff and 10-3 to Evangel, as Graceland moved to 5-17 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference) following the games. Briar Cliff improved to 9-13 overall (0-0 GPAC), while Evangel moved to 15-4 overall.

The doubleheader featured a combination of timely extra-base hits, RBI opportunities, and defensive execution as Graceland worked through multiple pitching changes and lineup adjustments across both matchups.

Briar Cliff generated consistent offense early, producing 13 hits and nine runs to secure the victory in the opening contest.

The Chargers plated three runs in the second inning, using a two-base hit from Sydney Mennenga and RBI base hits from Montie Richter to establish an early lead. Briar Cliff continued to apply pressure at the plate, adding another run in the third before breaking the game open with three runs in the fourth inning.

Graceland recorded five hits in the contest, with McKenna Kelley, Sydney Bears, Josie McCuddin, and Paige Pieper contributing base hits.

The Yellowjackets scored their lone run in the fourth inning when Gracyn Beckman delivered a sacrifice fly, allowing Sydney Bears to cross the plate following consecutive singles earlier in the inning.

In the circle, McKenna Kelley (2-5) took the loss after working 2.2 innings, allowing four runs while striking out three batters. Gracie Dickson entered in relief and threw three innings, recording one strikeout while facing 18 batters.

Briar Cliff added two more runs in the sixth inning through sacrifice fly opportunities and RBI execution, closing out the contest with a 9-1 final score.

In the afternoon matchup, Evangel capitalized on early scoring opportunities, plating nine runs across the first two innings to establish control of the contest.

The Valor opened the scoring in the first inning with RBI singles and a two-run double from Holly Hanks, producing four runs in the frame. Evangel followed with five runs in the second inning, highlighted by a triple from Naomi Perkins and multiple RBI hits to extend the lead to 9-0.

Graceland responded offensively beginning in the third inning when Josie McCuddin doubled to left field, driving in Sydney Bears to put the Yellowjackets on the board.

The Yellowjackets continued to manufacture runs in the fourth inning, scoring twice on RBI singles from McKenna Kelley and Sydney Bears, trimming the margin to 9-3.

Graceland finished the contest with seven hits, including multiple-hit performances from Sydney Bears and Josie McCuddin, while Gracie Dickson added a base hit during the fourth-inning rally.

Inside the circle, Makenzie Leake (2-3) started for the Yellowjackets, throwing 1.1 innings before Kaylee Henry entered in relief. McKenna Kelley worked the final three innings, allowing one run while limiting Evangel's offense during the latter stages of the game.

Evangel added a final run in the sixth inning on an RBI groundout, securing the 10-3 victory.

Following the games, head coach Todd Verwers emphasized the importance of situational execution and continued improvement in conference preparation.

"We created some opportunities offensively with runners on base, but we need to be more consistent with situational hitting and defensive execution," Verwers said. "Our pitchers settled in as the games progressed, and we saw some positive swings at the plate. The focus now is continuing to clean up the details as we move deeper into conference play."

Graceland returns to action Saturday, March 14, when the Yellowjackets travel to Dubuque, Iowa, for a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader against Clarke (IA). First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. CDT, followed by the second game at 3 p.m. CDT, with both contests taking place at Veterans Memorial Park.

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