STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College split a doubleheader with Hastings College in the Lady Warriors first home games of the season on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Game 1
Sterling fell to Hastings 11-1 in game one. The Lady Warriors managed two hits in the contest, with Mallory Seidel contributing an RBI double in the fifth inning.
Hastings took an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on two fielding errors by Sterling. Katyn Kappler scored on a walk, and Kaylee Pinneo crossed home on a wild pitch, giving the Broncos a 2-0 lead after one inning.
Sterling’s only scoring came in the fifth inning. Cheyenne Cunningham doubled to left field and later scored on a single by Kylie Dunbar, making the score 7-1 in favor of Hastings after five innings.
Hastings extended its lead in the sixth inning. Lauren Lee singled, driving in two runs, followed by additional runs on a fielder’s choice and a wild pitch, bringing the final score to 11-1 in favor of the Broncos.
Macaela Ambriz pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs on seven hits with two walks and seven strikeouts. Despite facing 26 batters and throwing 116 pitches, Ambriz allowed only two extra-base hits, including a double and a triple. Madison Hedgecock pitched 2/3 of an inning and conceded four earned runs on four hits and two walks, while Olivia Wright effectively faced one batter in 2/3 of an inning, retiring the hitter on a groundout without allowing a baserunner.
Cheyenne Cunningham hit a double and scored a run in a strong offensive performance. Kylie Dunbar contributed with a hit and drove in a run.
Game 2
Sterling battled back in game two, defeating Hastings College with a final score of 7-6. Sterling secured the win with a crucial three-run sixth inning, while the Broncos mounted a late four-run rally in the seventh that ultimately fell short.
The game began with the Lady Warriors taking an early lead in the first inning. Seidel tripled to left field and scored when Cunningham reached first on a throwing error by the pitcher, putting Sterling ahead 1-0 after one inning.
In the fourth inning, Ashley Johnson singled to the pitcher and eventually scored on a fielding error by the center fielder, tying the game at 2-2. The momentum shifted in the fifth inning when Cunningham scored on a single by Alessandra Ambriz, followed by another run from M. Ambriz scoring on a fielding error, giving Sterling a 4-2 lead.
Sterling extended its lead in the sixth inning. Victoria Perez walked and scored on a single by A. Ambriz. Cunningham also scored on a single by Maria Casillas, and A. Ambriz crossed home on a double by Mya’ Dunn, making the score 7-2.
Hastings mounted a comeback attempt in the seventh inning, scoring four runs, including two on a single by Lee, but Sterling’s Madison Hedgecock closed out the game to secure the victory. The final score was Sterling 7, Hastings 6.
Maria Casillas delivered a standout performance, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing four hits while striking out four batters. Casillas threw 95 pitches, 58 of which were strikes, and maintained a WHIP of 0.98, claiming the win. Olivia Wright struggled in relief, facing four batters without recording an out and allowing two earned runs on one hit and three walks. Madison Hedgecock secured the save by retiring two batters on four pitches, all strikes, preserving the lead.
Alessandra Ambriz led the team with three hits and two RBIs, contributing to two of the scoring innings. Cheyenne Cunningham showcased speed on the bases, scoring twice and stealing two bases. Maria Casillas delivered a solid performance on the mound, pitching 6 1/3 innings with four strikeouts and securing the win.
The Lady Warriors (3-5) will be back in action at the Turfs Up Invitational hosted in Branson, Mo. on Friday through Saturday, Feb. 20-21. Sterling will start against Park University on Friday, Feb. 20 at 10:30 p.m. followed by a game against Hannibal-Lagrange University at 2 p.m. On Saturday, the team will face Waldorf University at 9:30 p.m. followed by a game against Graceland University at 1:30 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.
