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GRACELAND UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
Mount Mercy Outlasts Graceland as Shooting Woes Continue

Mount Mercy Outlasts Graceland as Shooting Woes Continue

Box Score
Game Leaders
Graceland
Pts: Kymani Freeman - 16
Reb: Genesis Alarcon - 11
Ast: Camila Barreno - 2
Mount Mercy
Pts: Claudia Vanzant - 15
Reb: Claudia Vanzant - 12
Ast: 3 Players (#21, #23, #32) - 3
Team Stats
Full stats

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – February 6, 2025 – The Graceland University women's basketball team dropped a hard-fought road contest against Mount Mercy University, 61-49, at the Hennessey Rec Center. The Yellowjackets battled through four quarters but were ultimately unable to overcome the Mustangs' efficiency from the field.

With the loss, Graceland falls to 8-15 overall and 6-13 in conference play, while Mount Mercy improves to 13-9 overall and 11-8 in the conference.

Game Recap

Graceland struggled offensively, finishing the game with a 29.7% field goal percentage and just 12% from three-point range (3-for-25). The Mustangs, meanwhile, shot 44.4% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, a key factor in their victory.

Mount Mercy established an early lead, outscoring Graceland 19-12 in the first quarter and carrying a seven-point advantage into halftime (32-22). The Yellowjackets showed resilience in the third quarter, tightening up defensively to outscore the Mustangs 12-11. However, a strong final period from Mount Mercy (18-15) sealed the contest.

Key Performers

  • Kymani Freeman led Graceland with 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist while shooting 6-for-18 from the floor.
  • Nateonia Russell contributed 10 points and four rebounds, adding a steal and a block.
  • Maxine Ampofo added seven points and four rebounds.
  • Genesis Alarcon led the team on the boards with 11 rebounds, while also tallying five points.

For Mount Mercy:

  • Claudia Vanzant dominated the paint, finishing with a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds).
  • Annika Headington added 13 points and 10 rebounds, giving the Mustangs a strong interior presence.
  • Sadie Struchen provided a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points while hitting three three-pointers.

Team Statistics

  • Graceland: 19-for-64 FG (29.7%), 3-for-25 3PT (12%), 8-for-11 FT (72.7%), 36 rebounds, 13 turnovers
  • Mount Mercy: 24-for-54 FG (44.4%), 6-for-15 3PT (40%), 7-for-10 FT (70.0%), 41 rebounds, 19 turnovers

Graceland forced 19 turnovers but was unable to convert those into enough points. The Mustangs controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Yellowjackets 41-36, while also outscoring Graceland in points in the paint (30-20).

Up Next

Graceland will look to bounce back as they travel to Parkville, Missouri, for a matchup against Park University Pirates tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. Fans can follow live stats or stream the game online.

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