Graceland Falls in Close Battle Against Briar Cliff, Shut Out by Midland
SHAWNEE, Kan. – The Graceland University softball team (5-4) wrapped up a two-game slate with a pair of hard-fought contests but came up short against both Briar Cliff University and Midland University. The Yellowjackets dropped a 2-1 decision to Briar Cliff before suffering a 7-0 defeat at the hands of Midland.
Graceland now holds a 5-4 overall record following the two matchups. Briar Cliff improved to 3-6 on the season, while Midland moved to 7-3.
Game 1: Briar Cliff 2, Graceland 1
Graceland fell in a defensive battle against Briar Cliff, with both teams managing just six hits apiece. The Chargers capitalized on key moments to secure the narrow victory.
After Briar Cliff struck first in the opening frame with a sacrifice bunt RBI from K. Loew, the Yellowjackets responded in the second inning when K. Cook delivered an RBI single, bringing home C. Peters, who had reached earlier on a base hit and advanced on an error.
The game remained tied until the bottom of the sixth, when Briar Cliff's K. Persico launched a solo home run to give the Chargers a 2-1 edge. Graceland was unable to mount a rally in the seventh, going down in order to close out the game.
Graceland starter S. Bradshaw (3-2) went the distance, tossing six innings while allowing two earned runs on six hits. She struck out 10 batters without issuing a walk. Despite a strong outing, she took the loss as Graceland's offense left 10 runners stranded.
Briar Cliff's S. Bainter (1-1) picked up the complete-game win, allowing six hits and one unearned run while striking out four.
Game 2: Midland 7, Graceland 0
The Yellowjackets struggled offensively in game two, managing just five hits and failing to push a run across the plate. Midland controlled the game from the start, plating two runs in the first inning and adding three more in the third before capping the scoring with a pair of runs in the fifth.
Midland's K. Barriento led the attack, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs, including a two-run home run in the third inning. A. Henderson added a triple and an RBI, while P. Coler contributed two RBIs on a fifth-inning single.
Graceland's pitching staff faced a tough outing, as starter P. Pialet (1-1) lasted just three innings, surrendering five earned runs on seven hits. K. Vandemark provided relief, allowing two runs across 3.2 innings, before C. Johnson closed out the final frame.
On the other side, Midland's P. Coler (4-2) was dominant in the circle, striking out six across five shutout innings. H. Allen closed the final two frames, allowing two hits while striking out one.
Coach Verwers' Take
Following the back-to-back losses, head coach Todd Verwers reflected on the team's performance and the adjustments needed moving forward.
"We put ourselves in position to win game one, but the little things cost us in the end," said Verwers. "Bradshaw threw a great game, but we didn't give her enough run support. Game two, we struggled to string together quality at-bats against a strong Midland pitching staff. We have to do a better job of executing in scoring situations and minimizing defensive mistakes. We'll regroup and get ready for the next series."
For more information on Graceland softball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.