Graceland Falls to Park University Despite Strong First Quarter Start

PARKVILLE, Mo. — The Graceland University women's basketball team dropped a road contest to Park University, falling 90-58 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play at Breckon Sports Center. The Yellowjackets, now 1-11 overall and 0-6 in conference, saw their early first-quarter lead erased by a dominant second period from the Pirates, who improved to 6-5 overall and 2-4 in HAAC action.

Graceland opened the game aggressively, posting 21 first-quarter points and taking a 21-17 lead into the second frame behind early contributions from Ianara Morbidoni and Maxine Ampofo. Morbidoni connected on two triples in the quarter, while Ampofo finished with a team-high 20 points on 6-of-14 shooting, including 8-for-10 from the line.

However, Park responded with a 25-5 second quarter run, capitalizing on 26 Graceland turnovers throughout the game. The Pirates outscored the Yellowjackets 54-22 in the paint and dominated the glass with a 50-33 rebounding advantage, including 25 offensive boards that led to 35 second-chance points.

Nevaeh Spillman led all scorers with 24 points and 13 rebounds for Park, while Nadiyah Cooper added 19 points, including two made threes and eight steals, fueling Park's transition game. The Pirates recorded 20 fast break points compared to just 2 for the Yellowjackets.

Despite the outcome, Graceland found bright spots in the stat sheet. Nateonia Russell registered 5 assists and 6 rebounds, though she struggled with ball control, committing 8 turnovers. Morbidoni contributed 9 points off the bench, all from beyond the arc. Freshman Angelique Taylor chipped in 6 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes of action.

"We showed composure early and executed well in the half-court," said head coach Willie Scott. "But we allowed their pressure to dictate too much of the game. We have to do a better job limiting extra possessions and being stronger with the ball. There were moments we played Graceland basketball, and we'll build from those."

Graceland shot 32.7% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range, converting on 18-of-29 free throws. The team struggled in the second quarter, shooting just 1-for-11, while Park finished the game shooting 43.8% overall and 72.4% from the line.

The Yellowjackets will look to regroup as they return home for their final game before the holiday break. Graceland will host Midland University on Tuesday, December 16, with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CST inside the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

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