BRANSON, Mo. — Sterling College had two close match ups on the first day of the Turf’s Up Invitational on Friday, Feb. 21. The Lady Warriors started with a 6-4 loss to the Park University Pirates followed a 4-3 loss to the Hannibal-LaGrange University Trojans.
Game 1
The Lady Warriors tallied nine hits and four runs but was unable to overcome Park University’s four-run fourth inning.
Sterling took an early lead in the third inning when Mariah Cunningham singled to left field, allowing Bailey Martinez to score. The inning concluded with Sterling ahead 1-0.
In the fourth inning, Ashley Johnson‘s single and subsequent walk drawn by Victoria Perez set the stage for Martinez’s single, loading the bases. Kylie Dunbar walked, bringing Johnson home. However, Park responded with four runs in the bottom of the fourth, taking a 4-2 lead by the end of the inning.
Sterling tied the game in the fifth inning. Mallory Seidel and Cheyenne Cunningham both singled and advanced on steals, setting up Johnson’s single to score Seidel. Perez’s groundout brought C. Cunningham home, leveling the score at 4-4.
The Pirates regained the lead in the sixth inning, scoring two runs following errors, making it 6-4. Despite a single from Johnson in the seventh inning and a walk by Perez, the Lady Warriors were unable to close the gap, and the game ended with the Pirates winning 6-4.
Macaela Ambriz started the game for Sterling, pitching 4 innings and allowing 4 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 4 batters and issuing 1 walk. Madison Hedgecock made a relief appearance, pitching 2 innings without allowing an earned run, despite giving up 1 hit and walking 1 batter. Hedgecock faced 11 batters and recorded 1 strikeout, with her performance being notable for not allowing any earned runs in her outing.
Ashley Johnson led the Lady Warriors with three hits and drove in one run. Cheyenne Cunningham contributed defensively with five assists and also scored a run. Bailey Martinez added two hits, including a double, and crossed the plate once.
Game 2
Sterling managed seven hits, including three doubles, but were unable to overcome the Trojans’ late scoring, falling 4-3.
The Lady Warriors opened the scoring in the first inning when C. Cunningham doubled and was later driven in by Alessandra Ambriz‘s single. The score at the end of the first inning was 1-0 in favor of Sterling.
In the second inning, Hannibal-LaGrange tied the game. A single by Kelsey Pflasterer brought in Ailene Walker, making the score 1-1 after two innings.
The Trojans took the lead in the third inning. A double by Madilyn Hagood scored Riey Hurt, putting Hannibal-LaGrange ahead 2-1 after three innings.
Sterling regained the lead in the fifth inning. Emily Samaniego singled and advanced on a passed ball, scoring on C. Cunningham’s double. C. Cunningham then scored on a double by Dunbar. Sterling led 3-2 at the end of the fifth inning.
Hannibal-LaGrange tied the game again in the sixth inning when Payton Seip scored on a single by Megan Riggs. The score was 3-3 after six innings.
In the seventh inning, the Trojans scored the decisive run. Emily Hochstatter scored on a single by Hagood, and the Lady Warriors were unable to respond in the bottom half of the inning.
Olivia Wright pitched a complete game for Sterling, going 7 innings while allowing 7 hits and 4 runs, of which only 2 were earned. She struck out 3 batters and issued 2 walks over 102 pitches, demonstrating solid control without allowing any home runs or wild pitches. Wright faced 31 batters and recorded 11 groundouts, contributing to her effective performance on the mound.
Cheyenne Cunningham led the Warriors with two doubles, driving in one run and scoring twice. Kylie Dunbar contributed a key RBI double, providing an offensive spark. Ambriz added two hits, including an RBI, aiding the team’s scoring efforts. Bailey Martinez excelled defensively with five assists, showcasing a strong presence in the field.
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.
