Softball Falls to Baker in Heart Doubleheader

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The Graceland University softball team dropped both ends of a Heart of America Athletic Conference doubleheader to Baker University on April 12, falling 22-5 in Game 1 and 14-0 in Game 2. Graceland moves to 7-30 overall and 2-13 in conference play, while Baker improves to 21-15 overall and 9-8 in league competition.

In the opener, Graceland recorded three hits and drew 10 walks but could not match Baker's offensive production, as the Wildcats totaled 19 hits and scored in every inning. Brea Headly highlighted the Yellowjackets' lineup with a home run and RBI, while McKenna Kelley and Makenzie Leake each drove in runs. Baker utilized extra-base hits and situational hitting to generate 20 RBIs, capitalizing on early scoring to build separation.

Game 2 followed a similar pattern, as Graceland was limited to two hits and shut out in five innings. Baker broke the game open with a seven-run fourth inning, using consecutive base hits and run-scoring doubles to extend the lead. McKenna Kelley recorded one of Graceland's two hits, while the pitching staff faced sustained pressure against a high-contact lineup.

Defensively, Graceland committed five total errors across the doubleheader, leading to multiple unearned runs and extended innings for Baker. The Yellowjackets also combined for 14 strikeouts at the plate across both games, limiting run production opportunities.

"These girls are playing hard and giving their teammates everything they've got," interim head coach Brady McKillip said. "At this point in the season that's I'll I can ask from them. We've got plenty of fight left in us and I expect that from them thre rest of the way."

Graceland continues conference play on April 18 with a road doubleheader at Missouri Valley. First pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. CDT, followed by a 4 p.m. game at Cargill Field in Marshall, Missouri, as the Yellowjackets look to improve execution in all phases.

For more information on Graceland softball and all Yellowjackets athletics, visit GUjackets.com.