Women’s Basketball Picks Up First Win of the Season In Nonconference Matchup
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University women's basketball team secured its first win of the 2025-26 season with a 75-62 victory over Waldorf University on Saturday evening at the Morden Center. With the result, Graceland improved to 1-3 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Waldorf dropped to 0-4 (0-0 NSAA).
The Yellowjackets leaned on a high-volume perimeter attack and dominant rebounding to take control late in the second quarter and never look back. Graceland hit 13 three-pointers on 41 attempts and pulled down 51 total rebounds, including 26 offensive boards, leading to a decisive edge in second-chance scoring.
Kayla Smolley paced the Yellowjackets with 18 points, knocking down six three-point field goals. Sophia Rodriguez provided a boost off the bench with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting from distance, while Maxine Ampofo turned in a well-rounded effort with 11 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists.
Nateonia Russell directed the offense from the point with a game-changing stat line of 10 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 6 steals, while committing just five turnovers in 35 minutes. Her two-way play stabilized the Graceland backcourt and pushed tempo at critical stretches.
"We told the team before the game if we want to win, we must score 70 points and hold them to 64," said head coach Willie Scott. "Our three-point shooters showed up tonight and Nateonia Russell was amazing at the point. We also won the rebounding contest, which always helps. Great feeling to get in the W column."
Graceland trailed 7-0 to start the game but responded with an offensive surge behind early triples from Smolley and Rodriguez. A 22-17 lead after one quarter gave the Jackets momentum that they carried into halftime with a 36-32 advantage.
The Yellowjackets created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Waldorf 21-12 behind effective spacing and inside-out play. Ampofo and Angelique Taylor attacked the glass, while Russell found shooters in rhythm during a 9-2 run that extended the lead to double digits.
The fourth quarter remained in Graceland's control as the team maintained defensive pressure and managed game tempo. The Yellowjackets matched Waldorf with 18 points in the final frame and closed the game with a Russell-to-Smolley transition layup that sealed the 13-point margin.
Graceland finished the game shooting 35.0% from the field (28-of-80) and 31.7% from three-point range (13-of-41). The team struggled at the line, converting just 6-of-11 free throws (54.5%), but overcame the inefficiency through volume shooting and rebounding.
Defensively, the Yellowjackets held Waldorf to 39.1% shooting overall and forced 14 turnovers, converting those into 23 points off turnovers. Graceland also dominated in bench production, outscoring Waldorf's reserves 27-2.
Waldorf's offense was led by Cloey Dmytruk, who tallied a game-high 22 points and 12 rebounds, and Charlotte Mills, who contributed 19 points on 8-of-22 shooting. However, the visitors failed to generate consistent half-court execution and were held without a fast-break point.
Russell's on-ball defense and steal-to-score sequences proved critical. Her six steals included multiple plays that led directly to Graceland baskets, and she assisted or scored on 13 of the team's 21 second-half field goals.
Ampofo controlled the paint with eight offensive rebounds and altered shots with her interior presence. Her layup with 2:46 remaining in the fourth pushed the lead to 11, effectively closing the door on Waldorf's late push.
Graceland's assist-to-turnover ratio improved for the second straight game, posting 17 assists to 12 turnovers. Taylor and Morbidoni combined for 10 bench points and helped the Jackets outscore Waldorf in every quarter except the second.
The win marks the team's first nonconference victory of the year and gives the program positive momentum heading into a challenging stretch of the schedule.
Up next, Graceland travels to face Ottawa University on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 p.m. CST. The game will be held at the Gaulke Activity Center in Ottawa, Kansas.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com