Bradshaw Strikes Out Nine, But Graceland Stumbles Against Sterling

STERLING, Kan. – The Graceland University softball team fell in a tightly contested 3-1 battle against Sterling College on Wednesday afternoon. Despite a strong outing in the circle from freshman pitcher Sydney Bradshaw, the Yellowjackets were unable to generate enough offense to overcome an early deficit.

With the loss, Graceland moves to 6-12 overall (0-0 Heart of America Athletic Conference), while Sterling improves to 11-6 (0-0 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference).

Game Recap

The Yellowjackets struck first, capitalizing on a defensive miscue in the top of the first inning. After reaching base on a fielder's choice, Kelsey Cook advanced on a passed ball and later scored when another pitch got away, giving Graceland a 1-0 lead.

Sterling responded quickly in the home half of the inning, taking advantage of a defensive miscue of their own. Maddie Cunningham singled to lead off the inning and quickly stole second and third base. A fielding error allowed her to score, tying the game at 1-1. Later in the inning, a sacrifice fly from Mikaela Casillas plated another run, putting Sterling in front 2-1.

The Warriors tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the third. Cunningham, once again a spark plug for the offense, singled up the middle, stole second, and later came home on a sacrifice fly from Dani Perales, extending Sterling's lead to 3-1.

Graceland had opportunities to climb back, putting runners on in the later innings, but Sterling starter Maya Viehland kept the Yellowjackets at bay. Kendall Vandemark recorded a single in the sixth, but Graceland was unable to string together enough offense to push runs across.

Bradshaw (0-1) took the loss despite an impressive outing, working six innings, allowing just three hits and three earned runs while striking out nine batters. Viehland (1-0) went the distance for Sterling, scattering four hits and striking out seven in her complete-game effort.

Stat Leaders

• Graceland Offensive Leaders:

  • Kendall Vandemark | 1-for-3
  • Kelsey Cook | 1-for-3, 1 run
  • Sydney Bradshaw | 1-for-3
  • Abigail Farrell | 1-for-3

• Graceland Pitching:

  • Sydney Bradshaw (L, 0-1) | 6.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 9 K

• Sterling Offensive Leaders:

  • Maddie Cunningham | 2-for-3, 2 runs, 4 SB
  • Dani Perales | 0-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 run

• Sterling Pitching:

  • Maya Viehland (W, 1-0) | 7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

Coach Verwers' Thoughts

Head Coach Todd Verwers praised his team's effort but acknowledged the need for timely hitting.

"We had our chances today, but we have to do a better job of cashing in with runners on base," Verwers said. "Sydney threw well and gave us an opportunity to win, but we need to complement that with some more run support. Credit to Sterling—they executed when they needed to. We'll regroup and get ready for the weekend."

Up Next

The Yellowjackets turn their attention to the Branson Grand Slam Classic, where they will play a pair of games on Friday, March 7 at the Branson Rec Plex. Graceland will face Tabor College at 1:30 p.m., followed by a 3:30 p.m. matchup against Mission College.

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