Graceland Softball Splits Doubleheader at Top Gun Invite

SHAWNEE, Kan. – The Graceland University Yellowjackets earned a bounce-back victory in the second game of their doubleheader Saturday at the Top Gun Invite, securing a 7-1 win over Waldorf after falling to Briar Cliff in the opener. The Yellowjackets move to 6-6 on the season following the split, while their conference record remains 0-0.

Game 1: Briar Cliff 18, Graceland 2 (5 Innings)

In the opener, Graceland struggled to contain the Briar Cliff offense, as the Chargers plated 18 runs on 15 hits. The Yellowjackets tallied four hits in the contest, including run-scoring plays from senior outfielder S. Bradshaw and freshman A. Good.

Graceland's scoring came in the first and second innings. Bradshaw reached on an error by the third baseman in the first, allowing A. Farrell to score. In the second, Good delivered an RBI single to left, driving in C. Peters.

On the mound, P. Pialet got the start for the Yellowjackets, surrendering five runs (three earned) over two innings. Relievers K. Vandemark and C. Johnson combined to finish the final three innings but struggled against an aggressive Briar Cliff lineup.

Briar Cliff's offense was powered by K. Wilhelms, who blasted two home runs and drove in four runs. The Chargers posted a 10-run third inning to break the game open.

Briar Cliff, also playing its first games of the season, improved to 1-0 following the win.

Game 2: Graceland 7, Waldorf 1

Graceland responded in the second contest with a strong all-around performance, securing a 7-1 victory over Waldorf (0-5). While full statistics were unavailable, the Yellowjackets capitalized on timely hitting and solid pitching to take control early.

"Our team did a great job of resetting after a tough first game," said head coach Todd Verwers. "We challenged them to execute better offensively, and they responded. The pitchers pounded the zone, the defense made plays, and we put together quality at-bats throughout the game."

The Yellowjackets will look to carry their momentum into Sunday's matchups against Concordia (Neb.) at the Top Gun Invite. First pitch is set for 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in Shawnee, Kan.

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