LAMONI, IOWA – After losing leads in both the first and third quarters, Grand View ramped up their defense and capitalized on Graceland's struggles in the fourth to make a statement with the final comeback victory, 78-67. The Vikings held the Yellowjackets to just 7 points in the final 10 minutes, while scoring 21 of their own. Despite a tough night shooting from beyond the arc, Grand View showed the importance of focusing on the details—out-rebounding Graceland, committing fewer turnovers, and getting to the free-throw line more often.

The Vikings struck first, quickly building a five-point lead thanks to a jumper from Eva Solseth and a three-pointer from Cleao Murray. Graceland responded to every Grand View push, staying close but unable to stop the Vikings from scoring, especially with strong contributions in mid-range shooting and at the free-throw line. However, back-to-back three-pointers from Graceland, separated by a Viking turnover, gave them the slight edge at the end of the first quarter, leaving Grand View trailing 17-19.

The second quarter initially saw more struggles for the Vikings, who found themselves down by 11 with six minutes remaining in the half. But Grand View embraced the challenge and mounted a strong push to take the lead before halftime. The comeback began with a layup from Murray, followed by a steal and score from Anna Gossling. The pair each added another layup, and Ella Larsen chipped in with a layup and two free throws. As the momentum built, Murray found Solseth for a clutch three-pointer, putting the Vikings back on top. Two more free throws from Gossling gave Grand View a slim 38-37 lead at the break. Larsen, Gossling, Murray, and Solseth accounted for all of Grand View's 38 points, while 28 of Graceland's points came from just two players.

The Vikings faced another struggle in the third quarter, shooting just 39.1% (9-23) from the field while Graceland hit 72.7% (8-11) on fewer attempts. Grand View also had difficulty from beyond the arc, going 0-for-7 compared to Graceland's 4-for-6. Despite converting only 1-of-7 free throws, the Vikings stayed composed, forcing Graceland into four turnovers while committing none themselves. Layups from Murray and Larsen kept the offense alive, and even though the Yellowjackets stretched their lead to 11, the Vikings responded, closing the gap to just three heading into the final period.

After a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, the Vikings locked in during the final 10 minutes for a statement quarter. Two free throws from Murray and a layup from Gossling put Grand View back on top within the first minute. With victory in sight, the Vikings focused on defense, allowing Graceland just 7 points in the quarter. That solid defense fueled a high-energy offense, with Brianna Fields, Gossling, Murray, and Larsen all contributing to a 16-point run. Graceland's scoring came from just two layups in live action, with the rest coming from the free-throw line. The Vikings dominated the boards (17-2) and shot well from the field (43.8%) and the free-throw line (87.5%) in the quarter. Grand View sealed the victory with their fourth-quarter defense and key stats, finishing 78-67.
GAME NOTES

• Ella Larsen recorded a double-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 steals.
• Cleao Murray also scored 21 points, adding 4 rebounds and 1 steal.
• Anna Gossling contributed 18 points and a season-high 8 rebounds.
• Eva Solseth added 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals.
• The Vikings outperformed the Yellowjackets in the following key categories:
  • Total Rebounds: Grand View 42, Graceland 27
  • Turnovers: Grand View 7, Graceland 12
  • Points in the Paint: Grand View 44, Graceland 28
  • Second Chance Points: Grand View 17, Graceland 7
  • FG Attempts: Grand View +16
  • FT Attempts: Grand View +11

UP NEXT
Grand View will host Missouri Valley University on Saturday, February 15th at 2:00 PM for Senior Night.