Yellowjackets Drop Conference Doubleheader to MidAmerica Nazarene
OLATHE, Kan. — The Graceland University softball team dropped both ends of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to MidAmerica Nazarene on Tuesday, falling 1-0 in Game 1 and 7-2 in Game 2 at Williams Field. The Yellowjackets move to 7-33 overall and 2-16 in conference play, while MidAmerica Nazarene improves to 24-14 overall and 10-8 in league action .
Game 1 featured a pitchers' duel, with Graceland's Makenzie Leake delivering a complete-game effort, allowing one run on three hits with nine ground-ball outs and efficient pitch management. The decisive run came in the fifth inning on a fielder's choice RBI, as the Pioneers capitalized on situational execution .
Offensively, Graceland was limited to one hit, a single from Brea Headly, while the lineup recorded 15 strikeouts, struggling to establish timing against MidAmerica Nazarene's pitching staff .
In Game 2, MidAmerica Nazarene generated early run production, plating three runs in the first inning and adding four more across the third and fourth frames. The Yellowjackets responded with 10 hits, showing improved barrel control and situational hitting. Sydney Bears and Makenzie Leake each recorded multi-hit performances, while Brooklynn Glasgow drove in a run with a groundout RBI .
Graceland also utilized a pitching change in the middle innings, as Kaylee Henry provided 3.2 innings of scoreless relief, limiting further damage and inducing weak contact.
Interim head coach Brady McKillip emphasized execution in key situations.
"We competed better in the second game and made adjustments at the plate," McKillip said. "We need to improve our two-strike approach and situational defense to close the gap in conference play."
Graceland returns to action April 18 for a conference doubleheader at Missouri Valley, with first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT followed by a 4 p.m. game at Cargill Field in Marshall, Missouri, where the Yellowjackets will look to build on offensive improvements.
For more information on Graceland softball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.