Yellowjackets Dominate in All Phases, Shut Out Bethel, 72-0
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University women's flag football team delivered a complete performance on both sides of the ball, defeating Bethel (Kan.) 72-0 on April 6, fueled by efficient offensive execution and a turnover-driven defensive effort, according to official game results .
Graceland set the tone early, scoring 27 points in the opening quarter, capitalizing on short fields and defensive takeaways. The Yellowjackets opened scoring with a pick-six by Sadie Lee, who intercepted a pass and returned it 18 yards for a touchdown. The defense continued to generate pressure, finishing with seven interceptions for 79 return yards, including a 32-yard return touchdown by Makayla Brown .
Offensively, quarterback Sierra Flores led an efficient passing attack, completing 11-of-13 passes for 152 yards and four touchdowns, consistently attacking soft zones and exploiting coverage mismatches. Flores also contributed in the run game, helping sustain drives with designed quarterback movement and short-yardage execution.
Delaney Mondino served as the primary receiving target, totaling 117 yards on seven receptions with three touchdowns, including a 41-yard scoring play that extended Graceland's early lead. The Yellowjackets utilized a balanced approach, incorporating quick-game concepts, red-zone spacing and motion to create favorable matchups.
Graceland's offense totaled 344 yards on 34 plays, averaging 10.1 yards per play, while converting multiple scoring opportunities inside the red zone . Additional touchdown receptions were recorded by Jaida Lammie, Sierra Flores, Aiyanna Hannah and Sadie Lee, reflecting depth across the skill positions.
Defensively, the Yellowjackets maintained disciplined flag-pulling angles and coverage integrity, limiting Bethel to 44 total yards and five first downs. Graceland consistently forced negative plays and disrupted timing routes, leading to multiple turnover-on-down sequences and defensive scores .
Head coach Aaron Richardson credited the team's execution and situational awareness.
"We emphasized ball disruption and clean execution in space, and our players responded," Richardson said. "Defensively, we leveraged pursuit angles and created takeaways, and offensively we stayed efficient with our reads and spacing."
Graceland will return to action April 8 against Baker at Huntsman Field in Lamoni, Iowa, where the Yellowjackets will look to maintain momentum and continue consistent execution across all three phases.
For more information on Graceland flag football and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.