(Lamoni, Iowa)-
The Peru State women's basketball team delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday evening, defeating Graceland 87–62 on the road inside the Morden Center. The Bobcats were efficient, composed and dominant on both ends of the floor, shooting 56.7 percent from the field while overwhelming the Yellowjackets in the paint with a 52–18 scoring advantage. Peru State opened the game with strong interior play, using early baskets from Kylie Diaz and timely shot-making from the perimeter to jump ahead, though Graceland kept it close through the first quarter. Holding just a 17–16 lead after the opening period, the Bobcats quickly shifted gears in the second, tightening up defensively and controlling the boards to create separation.
Peru State began to take full control as Diaz asserted herself inside, repeatedly finishing through contact and cleaning up second-chance opportunities. Diaz went on to record one of the most dominant outings of her season, finishing with 33 points on an impressive 13-of-17 shooting, while also grabbing 11 rebounds and swatting away five shots. Her consistency around the rim anchored the Bobcats' offense, and her defensive presence disrupted Graceland's attempts to attack inside. Erison Vonderschmidt provided a powerful complement, scoring 22 points while collecting eight rebounds and adding four assists. She fueled Peru State's surge in the second and third quarters, helping stretch the lead as the Bobcats outscored Graceland 25–17 and 25–13 in those periods.
The Bobcats' perimeter contributions also played a key role in controlling the tempo. MaKinley Tobey added 12 points and five assists, knocking down two threes and consistently helping generate quality looks for the offense. Savannah Bingham chipped in 10 points, including a momentum-building three in the first quarter, while the team as a whole moved the ball well, finishing with 18 assists. Peru State's defensive effort was equally strong, forcing 14 turnovers and holding Graceland to just 35.7 percent shooting. The Bobcats also outrebounded the Yellowjackets 37–20, limiting second-chance points and controlling possessions throughout the night.
By the fourth quarter, Peru State's lead had grown to as many as 27, the result of consistent execution and sustained pressure. Even as Graceland attempted to claw back, the Bobcats maintained their composure and continued to find scoring opportunities inside, closing out the game with confidence. The 87–62 victory lifts Peru State to 5–4 on the season and gives them a strong 1–0 start in Heart of America play. With momentum building and multiple players contributing at a high level, the Bobcats will look to carry this performance forward as conference action continues.