Graceland Women’s Basketball Remains Undefeated with 73-52 Victory over Avila

Lamoni, IA — The Graceland University Yellowjackets (2-0) maintained their unbeaten record with a 73-52 home victory over Avila University (0-1) on Wednesday at the Morden Center. With a dominant defensive showing and effective offensive ball movement, the Yellowjackets outpaced the visiting Eagles and sealed a decisive win. Graceland's balanced scoring and rebounding advantage proved critical as they outshot Avila by 13.5% from the field and won the boards by a 40-25 margin.

Graceland Head Coach Willie Scott emphasized a high-pressure strategy for his team, aimed at stifling Avila's offensive rhythm and generating turnovers. "The plan is to apply pressure the entire game and hopefully wear our opponent down in the fourth quarter," said Scott. "The kids are buying in and doing an amazing job sharing the ball on the offensive end, which was evident tonight."

The Yellowjackets quickly took control, leading 24-19 at the end of the first quarter, where they shot an efficient 64.3% from the field. Graceland continued their offensive momentum into the second quarter, expanding their lead to 39-30 by halftime. The team's aggressive rebounding and second-chance points were a clear advantage, with the Yellowjackets capitalizing on 21 second-chance points throughout the game compared to Avila's seven.

Avila made a slight resurgence in the third quarter, led by forward Marlie Wright's 18-point performance, but Graceland's balanced scoring efforts and stifling defense allowed them to extend their lead. The Yellowjackets held the Eagles to just five points in the final quarter, showcasing the endurance and effectiveness of their full-game pressure.

Maxine Ampofo led the Yellowjackets with a near double-double, scoring 15 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Ampofo's presence in the paint contributed heavily to Graceland's 36 points in the paint. Genesis Alarcon and Sophia Rodriguez also made significant contributions, with Alarcon adding nine points and leading the rebounding efforts with 11 boards, while Rodriguez chipped in with an efficient 10 points on 4-of-4 shooting from the field.

Sophomore guard Jakyah Amous provided a spark off the bench, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, including two three-pointers. Amous' efficient shooting and defensive effort in just nine minutes of play further underscored the depth and versatility of Graceland's roster.

Graceland's efficient shooting and offensive ball movement were evident throughout the game. The Yellowjackets shot 47.5% (28-of-59) from the field and 40% from beyond the arc (6-of-15), while limiting the Eagles to 34% shooting and just 27.8% from three-point range. The Yellowjackets' aggressive play on the boards led to a significant rebounding advantage, totaling 40 rebounds to Avila's 25. Graceland's bench also contributed 23 points, showcasing the depth and balanced contributions from the entire roster.

Defensively, the Yellowjackets capitalized on their pressure scheme to force 10 turnovers, converting them into 10 points. Graceland's relentless full-court pressure was a crucial factor in wearing down Avila's ball-handlers, culminating in a fourth-quarter defensive stand that allowed only five points for the Eagles.

Coach Scott praised his team's adherence to the game plan and highlighted the players' commitment to both ends of the floor. "Our goal was to keep them under 60 points, and our defense delivered," said Scott. "The players are doing an amazing job, and their ability to share the ball on offense really shines. Tonight's effort is a great example of their hard work."

Graceland will look to extend their undefeated run when they host Sterling College on Saturday, November 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Morden Center. Fans are encouraged to attend and support the Yellowjackets as they continue their strong start to the season.

For more information on Graceland University Basketball and Yellowjacket Athletics, please visit GUjackets.com.