Graceland Softball Falls to Mount Mercy in Conference-Opening Doubleheader

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Graceland University softball team opened Heart of America Athletic Conference play Friday with a doubleheader against Mount Mercy, falling 11-0 in Game 1 and 10-2 in Game 2 at Busse Field in Cedar Rapids. The losses moved the Yellowjackets to 5-19 overall and 0-2 in conference play, while Mount Mercy improved to 7-11 overall and 2-0 in the Heart.

In the opener, Mount Mercy used an aggressive offensive approach early, plating three runs in the first inning and six more in the second to take command of the contest. The Mustangs recorded 10 hits and drove in 10 RBIs, while Graceland was limited to one hit and struck out eight times against Mount Mercy pitcher Ashley Webb, who worked a five-inning complete game with eight strikeouts.

Graceland's lone hit came from Josie McCuddin, who singled during the first inning. In the circle, McKenna Kelley (2-7) took the loss after allowing seven runs over two innings, while Makenzie Leake threw the final two innings in relief. Defensively, the Yellowjackets turned 12 putouts and 10 assists, but five fielding errors allowed Mount Mercy to extend several innings.

The Mustangs continued their offensive momentum in the second game, collecting 17 hits while scoring in four separate innings. Mount Mercy pushed across three runs in the second inning and four more in the third to build an early lead before adding additional runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

Graceland broke through offensively in the fifth inning when the Yellowjackets capitalized on patient at-bats and situational execution. Josie McCuddin delivered an RBI walk, and Makenzie Leake followed with a run-scoring groundout, allowing Graceland to plate two runs on one hit and three walks in the frame.

In the circle, Kaylee Henry (0-1) started Game 2 and worked four innings while facing 25 hitters before Makenzie Leake entered in relief. At the plate, Sydney Bears and McCuddin each recorded hits for the Yellowjackets, while the team worked six walks in the contest to generate offensive opportunities.

Following the doubleheader, Graceland head coach Todd Verwers emphasized the importance of tightening execution as conference play continues.

"Conference games always expose the areas where you need to be sharper," Verwers said. "We have to be better defensively, limit free bases and execute in key situations. Mount Mercy took advantage of opportunities today, and that's something we need to learn from. The focus now is making adjustments, competing pitch by pitch, and continuing to improve as we move forward in the conference schedule."

Graceland will continue conference play Saturday with a road doubleheader against Clarke (Iowa). The Yellowjackets are scheduled to face the Pride at 1 p.m. CDT and 3 p.m. CDT on March 14 at Veterans Memorial Park in Dubuque, Iowa, as Graceland looks to secure its first conference victory of the season.

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