Graceland Women’s Basketball Falls Short Against William Penn

OSKALOOSA, IA — The Graceland University Yellowjackets fell to the William Penn University Statesmen, 71-67, in a tightly contested Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup Saturday afternoon. The loss drops Graceland to 2-8 overall and 0-6 in conference play, while William Penn improves to 2-8 overall and 1-5 in the Heart.

Despite strong bench contributions and improved second-half play, Graceland could not overcome William Penn's balanced offensive effort and second-chance points.
First-Half Struggles

Graceland faced challenges in the opening quarter, managing only 11 points on 27.8% shooting. The Yellowjackets trailed 17-11 after one quarter and entered halftime down 36-33 despite shooting 50% from three-point range in the second quarter. Sophia Rodriguez provided a spark off the bench, tallying 10 points in the first half on 3-of-4 shooting, including two three-pointers.

"Today was a tough loss for our team, but it was a very competitive game," said Assistant Coach Zach Moore. "As we start to get players back and healthy, we are so close to winning and getting back on the right track. We couldn't ask for a better group of young women who are committed to getting better."
Second-Half Effort Falls Short

The Yellowjackets improved offensively in the second half, shooting 44.4% in the third quarter and cutting the deficit to two points heading into the final period. Avery Walker-Henry and Jakyah Amous contributed key buckets in the second half, with Amous finishing the game with eight points on 4-of-7 shooting.

Despite their efforts, the Yellowjackets struggled to close the game, shooting 41.2% in the fourth quarter and converting just one three-pointer. William Penn capitalized on its defensive stops and late free throws to secure the win. The Statesmen shot 93.3% from the free-throw line and out-rebounded Graceland 41-34, including 10 offensive rebounds.
Key Performers

Graceland Yellowjackets:
Camila Barreno: 15 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
Sophia Rodriguez: 13 points, 4 rebounds
Avery Walker-Henry: 11 points, 3 steals
Jakyah Amous: 8 points, 3 rebounds

William Penn Statesmen:
Alyssa Hames: 19 points, 11 rebounds
Kayla Peoples: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals
Carley West: 14 points, 6 rebounds

By the Numbers

Field Goals: Graceland 37.8%, William Penn 44.1%
Three-Point Shooting: Graceland 34.8%, William Penn 27.8%
Free Throws: Graceland 75.0%, William Penn 93.3%
Rebounds: Graceland 34, William Penn 41
Turnovers: Graceland 12, William Penn 16

Graceland's bench outscored William Penn's 32-10, led by Rodriguez and Amous. However, the Statesmen dominated in the paint, outscoring the Yellowjackets 40-32 and adding 13 second-chance points.
Looking Ahead

The Yellowjackets will return to action on Wednesday, December 11, when they face Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.