Graceland Softball Drops Doubleheader at William Penn
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — The Graceland University softball team dropped both games of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to William Penn (Iowa), falling 3-0 in game one and 5-2 in game two at Penn Field .
Following the results, Graceland moves to 6-26 overall and 1-9 in conference play, while William Penn improves to 16-14 overall and 7-5 in HAAC competition.
In game one, Graceland was limited to three hits in a 3-0 shutout loss. Makenzie Leake went 1-for-3, while Sydney Bears and McKenna Kelley each added a hit. The Yellowjackets generated baserunners but did not record an extra-base hit or advance a runner past third base.
William Penn scored in the third inning on a sacrifice fly, then added two insurance runs in the fifth inning on a double and RBI single to extend the lead to 3-0.
In the circle, Leake worked five innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits, while issuing one walk and recording two strikeouts. Kaylee Henry added one scoreless inning in relief, allowing two hits .
In game two, Graceland again recorded three hits, falling 5-2 as William Penn used a three-run sixth inning to secure the result .
Graceland opened the scoring in the first inning, as Riah Crump singled and later scored on an RBI groundout by Gracyn Beckman. The Yellowjackets added another run in the second inning, with Hallie Chamberlin recording an RBI groundout to give Graceland a 2-1 lead.
William Penn responded with single runs in the third and sixth innings, including a two-out RBI single and a solo home run, while capitalizing on baserunning opportunities and defensive miscues .
Crump and Makenzie Leake each recorded a hit in game two, while Graceland's offense again focused on situational execution, producing two RBIs on groundouts.
In the circle, McKenna Kelley took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) on nine hits over 5.2 innings, while Henry recorded the final out in relief.
Across the doubleheader, Graceland totaled six hits, while William Penn combined for 18 hits, including multiple extra-base hits and a home run.
Head coach Todd Verwers emphasized execution.
"We need to generate more production at the plate and limit opportunities defensively. The focus is on situational hitting and minimizing mistakes in conference play," Verwers said.
Graceland continues conference play later this week.
Graceland returns to action Friday, April 3, hosting William Woods (Mo.) in a doubleheader beginning at 2:00 p.m. CDT, with game two scheduled for 3:00 p.m. at North Park in Lamoni, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland softball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.