Yellowjackets Compete in Three-Game Slate at Cougar Classic

FORT WAYNE, Indiana - The Graceland University women's flag football team competed in a three-game slate at the Cougar Classic, facing Campbellsville (Ky.), Saint Francis (Ind.) and Siena Heights (Mich.) over Friday and Saturday. The Yellowjackets moved to 3-5 overall and 2-1 in conference play, showcasing offensive production through the air while navigating tight margins in all three contests.

Graceland opened the weekend with an 18-21 loss to Campbellsville, despite totaling 320 yards of offense and 15 first downs. Quarterback Sierra Flores completed 29-of-46 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns, distributing the ball efficiently across multiple targets. Ahmari Byrd led the receiving corps with 132 yards and a touchdown, while Delaney Mondino and Makayla Brown each added receiving scores.

The Yellowjackets held a 12-7 halftime advantage, but Campbellsville capitalized on short-field opportunities in the third quarter, converting two touchdown drives to take control. Defensively, Graceland recorded two sacks and two interceptions, but could not generate a late stop following a fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

On Saturday morning, Graceland dropped a 39-28 decision to host Saint Francis, with both teams emphasizing vertical passing attacks. The Yellowjackets compiled 368 yards of total offense, including 352 passing yards, as Flores and Karissa Garcia combined for three touchdown passes. Ahmari Byrd paced the offense with 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while Delaney Mondino added nine receptions.

Saint Francis countered with explosive plays, totaling 402 yards and four passing touchdowns, building a three-possession lead before Graceland executed late scoring drives. The Yellowjackets converted multiple extended drives, including a 12-play scoring possession, but were unable to close the gap in the final minutes.

In the finale, Graceland fell in a 35-34 overtime decision to Siena Heights, marking the team's second one-possession loss of the weekend. The Yellowjackets recorded 253 yards of total offense, with Flores completing 26-of-40 passes for 225 yards and four touchdowns. Sydney Gann and Makayla Brown each found the end zone, while the defense contributed three interceptions, including a 60-yard return by Lazaiya Kinville.

Graceland led 19-6 at halftime and extended the advantage into the fourth quarter before Siena Heights responded with consecutive scoring drives to force overtime. In the extra period, the Yellowjackets converted a touchdown and extra point, but Siena Heights answered with a touchdown and successful two-point conversion to secure the win.

"We executed at a high level offensively throughout the weekend, especially in our passing concepts and red-zone efficiency," head coach Aaron Richardson said. "Now it's about finishing drives defensively, limiting explosive plays and closing out games in late situations."

Graceland returns home on Wednesday, March 25 at 5 p.m. CDT, hosting Cottey (Mo.) in a Heart of America Athletic Conference matchup at Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland flag football and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.