Women’s Basketball Secures Road Victory at William Woods, Continues Strong Stretch

FULTON, Mo. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's basketball team earned a pivotal 57-52 road victory over William Woods University on Saturday afternoon at Anderson Arena. With the win, Graceland improves to 4-19 overall and 3-12 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, snapping a road skid and continuing a promising stretch with three wins in their last six games following a 13-game losing streak.

The Yellowjackets executed on the glass and inside the arc, outrebounding the Owls 48-39 and scoring 32 points in the paint. Despite going 0-for-12 from three-point range, Graceland's high-percentage interior attack and dominant second-chance effort (14 points off offensive boards) proved to be the difference.

Senior forward Ianara Morbidoni led the Yellowjackets with 18 points and 8 rebounds, going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while also tallying 5 assists, 5 blocks, and a steal in a full 40-minute performance. Junior forward Angelique Taylor added 10 rebounds and 9 points, providing crucial paint presence on both ends.

Maxine Ampofo posted 12 points and 8 rebounds, while Brooklyn Davis came off the bench to chip in 6 points and 5 rebounds, including several key possessions down the stretch. Graceland outscored William Woods 20-21 in the fourth quarter to secure the result, closing the game with a 7-3 run in the final 90 seconds, capped by Oliviya Tinoco's layup with 7 seconds remaining.

"Our identity has been shifting. This team is starting to play connected basketball," head coach Willie Scott said. "We've been asking for toughness, rebounding, and execution late in games. They gave us all three tonight. I'm proud of their resilience and how we're competing in conference play."

Graceland held William Woods to 29.0% shooting from the field and just 22 points in the paint, effectively neutralizing the Owls' interior offense. Though the Yellowjackets committed 20 turnovers, they were able to limit the damage with 12 fast break points and balanced scoring, with eight different players contributing in the scoring column.

William Woods, now 2-18 overall and 2-13 in conference, was led by Mya Pflasterer, who recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds. Abby Alvernia added 14 points and 6 assists, but the Owls were unable to overcome a 15-10 Graceland advantage in second-half field goals.

Graceland's 38.3% field goal shooting marked its highest mark in the last four games, and the team's 48 total rebounds were a season high, reflecting improved effort and consistency on the boards.

The Yellowjackets will look to maintain momentum as they return home to Lamoni, Iowa for their next contest. Graceland will host Benedictine College (Kan.) on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2:00 p.m. CST inside the Morden Center in Heart of America Athletic Conference action.

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