OMAHA, Neb. — The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's soccer team delivered a commanding 4-1 road victory over College of Saint Mary on Wednesday afternoon, showcasing a composed and organized performance throughout the 90 minutes at the CSM campus in Omaha.

With the result, Graceland improves to 1-1-1 overall and remains 0-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play. College of Saint Mary drops to 0-3-0 in non-conference action.

The Yellowjackets jumped out to a quick lead and never looked back, scoring three goals in the first half and adding a fourth shortly after halftime. Tessa Cook led the way with two goals, while Chloe Montera and Wissal Rafik each added one. Graceland outshot the Flames 12-7 overall, including a 9-5 edge in shots on goal.

"I was very pleased with the level we played at tonight," said head coach Randall Porter. "The biggest thing at this point in the season is to see progress and we certainly saw that. Was great to be up four goals early in the second half to get minutes for some that might not see as much normally but work hard every day. We have a nice eight days now between games so we can really work on some details."

First Half: Early Strikes Set the Tone

Graceland took control early, dominating possession and limiting the Flames to just two first-half shots. Montera opened the scoring in the 4th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home the game's first goal unassisted.

In the 29th minute, Cook doubled the lead, finishing off a smooth attacking sequence assisted by Nuria Garcia. Just five minutes later, Rafik added the third with a composed unassisted strike, putting the Yellowjackets firmly in control.

Graceland's midfield and wing play consistently broke down the College of Saint Mary defensive lines. The Yellowjackets used quick ball movement, overlapping runs and targeted through balls to create chances in the final third.

Second Half: Rotation and Management

Early in the second half, Graceland put the match out of reach when Cook scored her second of the afternoon in the 53rd minute, assisted by Sierra Flores. With a 4-0 lead, Coach Porter began rotating in bench players to preserve starters and give valuable minutes to reserves.

Alexis Porter started in goal for Graceland, playing all 90 minutes and making four saves on five shots faced. Her positioning and composure helped maintain the lead, even as College of Saint Mary pushed forward late.

The Flames' lone goal came in the 83rd minute as an own goal credited to Graceland, preventing the clean sheet but not changing the outcome.

Statistical Summary

Graceland maintained a statistical edge across most categories:

Shots: Graceland 12, College of Saint Mary 7
Shots on goal: Graceland 9, College of Saint Mary 5
Corner kicks: Graceland 5, College of Saint Mary 3
Saves: Graceland 4 (Alexis Porter), College of Saint Mary 5 (Chloe Price)
Fouls: Graceland 10, College of Saint Mary 11
Cautions: One yellow card issued to College of Saint Mary (Kaylie Senior, 62nd minute)

Cook led the team with six shots, five on goal, and Garcia and Flores each contributed an assist. The back line, anchored by Christine Burke, Veronica Baehr and Angelika Laginova, limited dangerous opportunities and controlled play through the midfield transition.

Rotation Highlights Development and Depth

With the match in hand, Coach Porter gave extended minutes to several reserves, including Keylannah Gutierrez, Elisa Lopez, Addison Fletcher and Grace Eltiste. The depth and energy from the bench allowed Graceland to maintain structure and intensity without drop-off.

Substitutions began as early as the 25th minute, reinforcing the staff's commitment to player development and long-term match readiness.

Looking Ahead

Graceland now shifts its focus to its next match — a home non-conference contest against Northwestern College. Kickoff is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 3 p.m. CDT at the Rasmussen Sports Complex in Lamoni, Iowa.

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