HESSTON, Kan. — Sterling College took on Hesston College in a doubleheader on Tuesday, Feb. 10. The Lady Warriors split with the larks, losing the first game 13-5 in five innings and winning the second game 9-4.
Game 1
The first inning saw Sterling loading the bases through a series of walks, but they were unable to capitalize, ending the inning scoreless. Hesston responded by scoring two runs, one on a fielder’s choice and another on a single, taking an early lead of 2-0. In the second inning, Sterling got on the board when Olivia Wright scored on a groundout by Victoria Perez, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The Larks added two more runs, aided by a bunt single and a sacrifice, extending their lead to 4-1.
The third inning marked a pivotal point as Sterling narrowed the gap with a sacrifice fly from Wright, bringing Alessandra Ambriz home. However, Hesston had a substantial offensive burst, scoring eight runs, including a three-run homer by Alexis Newlin, stretching their lead to 12-2. Sterling showed resilience in the fourth inning, with Mariah Cunningham and Ambriz each contributing runs, supported by a double from Mya’ Dunn, bringing the score to 12-4. The inning ended with the Larks unable to score despite getting a runner on base.
In the fifth inning, Sterling managed another run when Cheyenne Cunningham scored on an error, making it 12-5. Hesston added a final run in their half of the inning, closing the game at 13-5. Despite the loss, Sterling demonstrated determination and effort throughout the contest.
Macaela Ambriz started the game for Sterling, pitching 2 1/3 innings and allowing seven runs on five hits while striking out two batters. Ambriz faced 15 batters, issuing no walks but hitting two batters and recording a WHIP of 2.38. Madison Hedgecock entered in relief, pitching 2 1/3 innings and giving up six runs on six hits, including one home run, while striking out one and walking one. Hedgecock managed to induce six groundouts, throwing 54 pitches with 30 strikes.
Ambriz made a notable impact by scoring two runs, recording one hit, and drawing two walks. Dunn contributed with a double, one hit, and one RBI, alongside drawing a walk. Wright added to the team’s effort with one RBI, one run, and a sacrifice fly. Hedgecock distinguished herself in the field with four assists, demonstrating her defensive capabilities.
Game 2
Sterling recorded five doubles and two triples, contributing to their nine hits and seven RBIs in the game.
The Lady Warriors opened the game with an early lead as C. Cunningham scored on a double by Maria Casillas. However, the Larks responded in the bottom of the first with two runs, taking a 2-1 lead. In the second inning, Sterling regained the lead as Ambriz’s double set the stage for Ashley Johnson to drive in a run with another double. Emily Samaniego‘s groundout allowed Johnson to score, putting Sterling ahead 3-2.
The Lady Warriors extended their advantage in the third inning. Mallory Seidel and C. Cunningham both crossed the plate, aided by a series of wild pitches and strategic baserunning, resulting in a 5-2 lead. The fifth inning saw Sterling furthering their lead with a three-run surge. C. Cunningham’s double scored her sister M. Cunningham, followed by a two-RBI triple from Ambriz, bringing the score to 8-4 after Hesston scored twice in the bottom half of the inning.
In the seventh inning, C. Cunningham tripled and was driven home by a double from Casillas, securing another run. Sterling’s defense held firm in the final innings, with Wright shutting down the Larks in the sixth and seventh innings to maintain the lead. The game concluded with Sterling securing a 9-4 victory over Hesston, marking a strong performance with nine hits and flawless defense.
Casillas got the win from the mound for the Lady Warriors pitching 5 innings, surrendering six hits which turned into four runs walking two batters while striking out five. She faced 24 batters, throwing 47 strikes on 77 pitches. Wright pitched effectively in relief for Sterling, delivering 2 innings without allowing a run. Wright faced 8 batters, yielding two hits while recording one strikeout.
C. Cunningham recorded four runs and three hits, including a double and a triple, while collecting one RBI. Casillas contributed with three hits and two RBIs, adding two doubles and a stolen base. Ambriz tallied two hits, a double and a triple, and drove in two runs. Casillas also pitched five innings, striking out five and securing the win.
Sterling (2-4) will be back in action in their home opener against Hastings (1-1) on Tuesday, Feb. 17 in a doubleheader to be played at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
