Late-Inning Surge Lifts Graceland Softball to Split Against Missouri Valley

MARSHALL, Mo. — Graceland University softball used a decisive extra-inning rally to earn a split against Missouri Valley College on April 18, highlighted by a 6-1 eight-inning victory in game one after a 5-2 loss in game two. The Yellowjackets improved execution in key situations during the opener, utilizing extra-base hits and run production late.

In game one, Graceland (8-34, 3-17 Heart) overcame an early deficit with a five-run eighth inning, turning a 1-1 tie into a decisive margin. According to the box score on page 1 of the official results , Paige Pieper and Brooklynn Glasgow each recorded home runs, combining for three RBIs in the extra frame. Brea Headly delivered a two-RBI double, while McKenna Kelley reached on a defensive error to drive in the go-ahead run.

Makenzie Leake earned the complete-game win in the circle, allowing one earned run on six hits across eight innings while recording efficient contact outs. Missouri Valley (7-33, 4-18 Heart) plated its only run in the first inning before being held scoreless through the final seven frames.

Game two saw Missouri Valley respond with a 5-2 win, using late-inning power to secure the split. As shown on page 1 of the second box score , Graceland tied the game in the seventh inning on a two-RBI single from Gracie Dickson. However, Missouri Valley answered in the bottom half with a three-run home run to regain control.

Graceland finished with seven hits in the second contest, including multi-hit efforts from Paige Pieper, but left key runners stranded and did not produce an extra-base hit in the final inning. Missouri Valley capitalized on timely hitting and limited defensive miscues to close out the victory.

Interim head coach Brady McKillip addressed the team's performance following the doubleheader.

"We competed well in both games today," McKillip said. "We grinded in game one and pulled off a tough late inning win in game on."

Moving forward we need to carry that consistency into both ends of the doubleheader, but the response and adjustments we made are steps forward for this group."

Graceland returns to action April 19 for a road doubleheader against Culver-Stockton (MO). First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. CDT, followed by game two at 3:00 p.m. CDT at Himsl Field in Canton, Missouri.

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