DES MOINES, IOWA – The Grand View women's basketball team controlled the game from start to finish, defeating Graceland University 81-69 on Tuesday night at Sisam Arena.

The opening quarter saw both teams trade baskets early. Ellie Knock got the Vikings on the board first with a layup, but Graceland responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Sariah Bradley and Sophia Rodriguez to take a 6-2 lead. Anna Gossling and Knock brought Grand View back into the game, and Eva Solseth knocked down a three-pointer assisted by Eva Peterson to give the Vikings their first lead at 9-6. The teams continued to battle as the lead changed hands multiple times, but the Vikings closed the quarter strong. Amaya Davison and Claire Galbraith both converted from the free-throw line, and Gossling capped the period with a three-point play to give Grand View a 23-17 advantage.

Grand View extended their lead in the second quarter behind strong play from Gossling and Davison. Gossling continued to attack the basket effectively, while Galbraith contributed from the free-throw line. The Vikings' offense found its rhythm as Davison took control, scoring multiple layups and converting free throws to build the lead. Gossling drilled a three-pointer assisted by Davison to push the advantage to double digits at 35-29. Davison added another three-point play and hit two more free throws as the Vikings built a commanding 46-37 halftime lead.

The third quarter belonged to Grand View. Knock opened the period with a three-pointer to push the lead to 49-37, and the Vikings never looked back. Davison and Galbraith dominated inside, repeatedly attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Taryn Ottemann provided a spark off the bench with baskets and free throws as Grand View's lead ballooned. The Vikings' defensive intensity forced turnovers and limited Graceland's scoring opportunities. By the end of the quarter, Grand View had built a large lead of 65-44.

Grand View controlled the final period despite Graceland's late three-point shooting. Gossling continued her dominant performance with multiple baskets in the paint, and Eva Peterson contributed from the free-throw line. The Vikings' lead peaked at 81-59 before Graceland hit several late three-pointers to cut down on the lead. The Vikings' strong inside play and free-throw shooting proved too much for the Yellow Jackets to overcome, and Grand View secured the 81-69 win.

GAME NOTES:

• Anna Gossling led all scorers with 20 points on 9 of 13 shooting, and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists.
• Amaya Davison contributed 19 points on 6 of 13 shooting, going 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, and added 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
• Claire Galbraith chipped in 10 points on 3 of 7 shooting and pulled down 6 rebounds
• Ellie Knock added 9 points on 2 of 4 shooting, hitting 1-of-2 three-pointers and 4-of-4 from the line.
• The Vikings dominated in the paint, outscoring Graceland 48-16, and held a 22-2 advantage in second-chance points.

WHATS NEXT?
Grand View improves to 7-3 overall and 4-0 in conference play. The Vikings hit the road to play Mount Mercy on Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM where they continue their conference play.