Women’s Basketball Took Down Viterbo on Opening Day

Lamoni, Iowa - The Graceland University Women's Basketball team opened their season against the Viterbo University V-Hawks. The Yellowjackets defeated the V-Hawks, 90-83. Starting the season 1-0.

Graceland (1-0) | Viterbo (0-1)
Quarter 1: Graceland 27 | Viterbo 17
The Yellowjackets would get on the board first with a Camry Dillie three-pointer. Viterbo would lead midway through the quarter 9-7. Heaven Mbaruk would even the score (9-9), and minutes later, Dillie would help retake the lead with a shot from the deep. Graceland would push an advantage of 11 (23-12) from back-to-back made free throws by Janiyah Davis. The Yellowjackets would take a ten-point lead heading into the second quarter with a jumper by Mbaruk (27-17).

Quarter 2: Graceland 22 | Viterbo 21
Graceland would add to its lead 33-17 key points from Heaven Mbaruk (four points) and Alana Swift (two points). With back-to-back baskets by Swift and Vegas Camacho Graceland would hold their highest lead over the Viterbo of 19 points (38-19). The V-Hawks would work a 10-2 run to close their deficit to 40-29. The Yellowjackets would hold their lead heading into the half, ending with a Trinity Greenwood layup (49-38).

Quarter 3: Graceland 23| Viterbo 20
The V-Hawks would break the two-minute deadlock with a jumper (49-40). Graceland Bryanna Griffiths would retaliate with a three-pointer moments later. The V-Hawks would add a seven-point collection, closing their gap to seven points (54-47). Graceland would produce a 12-0 run late in the third quarter, and Avery Walker-Henry closed with a basket from the deep (72-58).

Quarter 4: Graceland 18 | Viterbo 25
Both teams would trade baskets. Late in the quarter, the V-Hawks would find their fire working in a 12-2 run, closing their gap to three points (82-79). Graceland would hold their lead, taking the 90-83 victory.

By the numbers:
42.6-33.3 – Graceland's field goal percentage compared to Viterbo
27-17 – The Yellowjackets made 10 more form the line than the V-Hawks
57-50- Viterbo would snag seven more rebounds than Graceland
12-5 – The V-Hawks would sink seven more threes than the Yellowjackets

Graceland Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Alana Swift – 25
Rebounding Leader: Heaven Mbaruk – 15
Assist Leader: Alana Swift – 7
Steal Leader: Janiyah Davis – 2

Viterbo Leaders:
Scoring Leader: Emma Wagner – 20
Rebounding Leader: Madison Hugdahl – 7
Assist Leader: Emily McCurdy / Marley Hughes – 6
Steal Leader: Three Players – 2

Up Next:
The Yellowjackets will be back on the court on Friday, November 3 when they host the Midland University Warriors. Tip-off is set for 3:00 pm.

-Yellowjackets-