Graceland Women’s Basketball Faces Tough Loss at Grand View

Des Moines, Iowa – The Graceland University Yellowjackets fell to Grand View University in a conference matchup Wednesday evening at Sisam Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Despite a strong start, the Yellowjackets succumbed to an 83-64 defeat against the Vikings, extending their current losing streak in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play.

Graceland's record now stands at 2-9 overall and 0-7 in conference play, while Grand View improves to 8-3 overall and 6-1 in the HAAC. The Vikings capitalized on efficient shooting and rebounding dominance to secure the victory.

The Yellowjackets opened the game with offensive intensity, scoring 20 points in the first quarter while converting 42.1% of their field goals, including four three-pointers. Guard Camila Barreno led the charge with five points early, but Grand View's Cleao Murray countered with a remarkable 13-point performance in the quarter. The Vikings shot an impressive 57.9% from the field in the first frame, ending it with a 32-20 advantage.

Graceland made strides in the second quarter, with Genesis Alarcon contributing six points on three-for-four shooting. The Yellowjackets managed to trim the deficit to 11 points at halftime, heading into the break down 48-37.

The game unraveled for Graceland in the third quarter, where offensive struggles became apparent. The team managed only five points on 11.1% shooting from the field, including an 0-for-11 performance from beyond the arc. Grand View capitalized on Graceland's slump, extending their lead to 27 points by the end of the quarter.

The Yellowjackets found offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, with Barreno and Sophia Rodriguez combining for three three-pointers, but the late surge was not enough to overcome the substantial deficit.

Key Statistics

• Graceland struggled from the field, shooting 35.1% overall, including 26.7% from three-point range.
• Grand View dominated in the paint with 48 points, compared to Graceland's 26.
• The Vikings held a significant edge on the boards, out-rebounding the Yellowjackets 39-26.
• The Yellowjackets committed just eight turnovers but allowed 16 second-chance points off rebounds.

Assistant Coach Zach Moore reflected on the team's performance, stating: "Give credit to Grand View—they are a very good team. We had another poor performance in the third quarter. We are still working on competing for the entire four quarters. We don't make any excuses; we show up tomorrow and get better."

Player Highlights

• Camila Barreno: The junior guard led Graceland with 13 points, including three three-pointers, while adding four assists and four steals.
• Maxine Ampofo: The forward collected nine rebounds and added eight points.
• Sophia Rodriguez: The reserve guard was efficient from beyond the arc, going 3-for-3 for nine points in just 19 minutes of play.

For Grand View, Cleao Murray was the standout performer with a game-high 31 points on 13-of-18 shooting, adding four rebounds and three assists. Forward Ella Larsen recorded a double-double with seven points and 13 rebounds, while Anna Gossling chipped in 19 points.

The Yellowjackets will return to the court this Saturday at 2 p.m. when they host Central Methodist University at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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