Graceland Falls to Midland in Final Pre-Holiday Matchup, 67–56

LAMONI, Iowa — December 16, 2025 — The Graceland University women's basketball team closed out the first half of its 2025–26 season with a 67–56 home loss to Midland University on Tuesday afternoon at the Morden Center. The Yellowjackets fell to 1-12 overall and 0-6 in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), while the Warriors improved to 2-11 on the year and 1-7 in conference play.

Graceland started the contest efficiently, shooting 50 percent from the field in the opening quarter and keeping pace with Midland, trailing just 22–20 after the first 10 minutes. However, the second quarter proved costly for the Yellowjackets, who were outscored 15–6 and entered halftime facing a 37–26 deficit.

The second half saw a surge of offense late, with Graceland posting 21 points in the fourth quarter, but the Yellowjackets were unable to overcome Midland's hot shooting and consistent execution. Midland shot 47.9 percent from the field, including 41.7 percent from three-point range, while converting 16-of-20 free throws (80 percent).

Sophomore guard Jenna Weber led all scorers with 30 points, going 10-of-18 from the floor, 3-of-6 from deep, and 7-of-8 at the free-throw line. Her dominant effort was paired with five steals and one assist in 40 minutes. Midland also received double-digit scoring from Ciera Jorge (14 points) and Ellie Bovaird (10 points).

Graceland was paced by senior forward Sophia Rodriguez, who tallied 11 points and eight assists, knocking down three three-pointers in the final frame. Freshman guard Sariah Bradley added 10 points off the bench, including two makes from beyond the arc, while junior forward Angelique Taylor contributed 13 points and six rebounds in an efficient 6-for-7 shooting effort.

Despite Graceland winning the rebounding battle 24–23 and scoring 33 points off the bench, turnovers plagued the Yellowjackets, who committed 16 total, leading to 14 Midland points. The Warriors controlled the paint with a 34–26 advantage in interior scoring.

"We saw some good spurts of ball movement and energy in transition, but we have to value possessions better," Graceland head coach Willie Scott said postgame. "We need to clean up the unforced errors and get more consistent defensive stops if we want to turn the corner in conference play."

The loss sends Graceland into the winter break still searching for its first HAAC win of the season and trying to snap the current nine game skid. The Yellowjackets will return to action in the new year.

Graceland's next game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 3 at 2:00 p.m. CST, as the Yellowjackets travel to Canton, Missouri, to face Culver-Stockton College in Charles Field House.

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