Graceland Women’s Basketball Drops Road Contest to Clarke

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Graceland women's basketball team fell to Heart of America Athletic Conference foe Clarke University, 84-62, in a Wednesday evening matchup at the Kehl Center. With the loss, Graceland moves to 1-15 overall and 0-8 in conference play, while Clarke improves to 8-7 overall and 4-4 in the Heart.

The Yellowjackets were outscored 24-7 in the first quarter and trailed by as many as 31 points in the second period. Graceland responded with a strong finish, tallying 23 points in the fourth quarter and outrebounding Clarke 47-43, but the early deficit proved too large to overcome.

Oliviya Tinoco led Graceland with 17 points and eight rebounds, shooting 6-of-16 from the floor and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Maxine Ampofo added 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Yellowjackets totaled eight assists and 12 steals, while committing 21 turnovers.

Clarke was paced by Hailey Walters with 18 points, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. The Pride shot 42.3% from three-point range and dished out 16 assists on 29 made field goals.

"We showed growth in the second half," said Head Coach Willie Scott. "Our rebounding and defensive energy were better after halftime, and that's the intensity we need to bring for four quarters."

Graceland returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 2:00 p.m. CST, when the Yellowjackets host Central Methodist University in Heart conference play. The game will take place at Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.