Post-Holiday Return Sees Yellowjackets Face Sterling in Nonconference Play

Sterling, KS - The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's basketball team fell 82-68 to Sterling College in a nonconference matchup Saturday afternoon at the Gleason Center. Graceland moved to 1-13 overall and 0-6 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while Sterling, a member of the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, improved to 11-2 overall and 7-0 in KCAC action .

Sterling established control through efficiency and tempo, shooting 45.9 percent from the field while generating consistent scoring opportunities in transition and the paint. The Warriors finished with a 48-22 advantage in points in the paint and added 20 fast-break points, capitalizing on 20 Graceland turnovers that resulted in 20 points off turnovers.

Graceland shot 39.1 percent overall and was effective from beyond the arc, connecting on 7-of-18 three-point attempts (38.9 percent). The Yellowjackets remained competitive through three quarters, trimming the deficit to six after a productive third period in which they shot 52.9 percent from the floor and scored 25 points.

Sterling held a 36-29 halftime lead following a strong close to the second quarter. The Warriors regained momentum early in the fourth quarter by converting second-chance opportunities and getting to the free-throw line, finishing 23-of-30 at the stripe. Graceland was unable to sustain its third-quarter momentum as Sterling extended the lead to double digits midway through the final period.

Maxine Ampofo paced the Yellowjackets with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds, providing interior scoring and rebounding presence. Sophia Rodriguez contributed 12 points, including four three-pointers, while Oliviya Tinoco added 10 points on efficient shooting. Graceland finished with a 39-30 rebounding edge and received 29 points from its bench, but turnovers and paint defense proved costly.

Despite the loss, Graceland limited Sterling to 18.8 percent shooting from three-point range and forced 10 turnovers, keeping the contest within reach through much of the game. The Yellowjackets recorded 14 assists and matched Sterling on the glass, but struggled to slow dribble penetration and interior finishes during critical stretches.

Head women's basketball coach Willie Scott pointed to execution and growth opportunities following the nonconference test.

"We saw positives in our effort and shot selection, especially in the third quarter," Scott said. "Against a disciplined team like Sterling, every possession matters. We have to value the basketball, defend the paint with more consistency, and continue to build good habits as we move forward into conference play."

Graceland will continue its road stretch on Saturday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. CST, traveling to face Culver-Stockton College in a Heart of America Athletic Conference contest at Charles Field House in Canton, Missouri, as the Yellowjackets look to earn their first conference win of the season.

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