STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College dropped two tightly contested games against MidAmerica Nazarene on Wednesday, March 4, The Lady Warriors lost the first game 3-0 and the second game 5-3.
Game 1
In game one, Sterling managed four hits but left 10 runners on base, while MidAmerica Nazarene’s pitching staff struck out 12 and allowed no runs.
The game began with the visitors taking an early lead. In the first inning, Danica Hobbs scored on a single by Molly Nicas, putting MidAmerica Nazarene ahead 1-0.
The Pioneers added to their lead in the sixth inning after Elayna Goff was walked and advanced to third on a pair of errors. Brie Manwarren tripled and scored on a subsequent error, bringing in two unearned runs. The inning concluded with MNU leading 3-0.
Sterling’s attempts to respond were thwarted, as they left multiple runners on base throughout the game, including three stranded in the sixth inning. The seventh inning saw Sterling load the bases, but they were unable to capitalize, ending the game without a run.
Macaela Ambriz pitched a complete game, delivering 7 innings for Sterling against the Pioneers. She allowed 11 hits and three runs, while striking out four batters and walking three.
Cheyenne Cunningham lead the Lady Warriors, posting three hits in the game. Mallory Seidel drew two walks and recorded an assist from her position at first base. Olivia Wright contributed both offensively and defensively, earning a hit and two walks.
Game 2
In game two, Sterling was led by a two-hit performance, including a double, from Mya’ Dunn, while MidAmerica Nazarene capitalized on two triples to secure the win.
Both defensive remained solid through the first two innings until the Lady Warriors got on the board in the bottom of the third with Cheyenne Cunningham‘s double that drove in Mariah Cunningham and Mallory Seidel, making it 2-1 in Sterling’s favor at the end of the inning.
MidAmerica Nazarene responded in the fourth inning, capitalizing on a fielding error with Dakoda Hobbs tripling to bring in two runs, followed by a third run on a groundout, shifting the score to 4-2 in their favor.
Sterling narrowed the gap in the sixth inning. Wright doubled and later scored on a single by M. Cunningham, bringing the score to 5-3.
Despite Sterling’s efforts in the seventh inning, they could not add more runs. MNU secured the win with a final score of 5-3.
Olivia Wright pitched 6 innings for Sterling, allowing five earned runs on eight hits while striking out one and walking two. Despite the runs allowed, she recorded nine groundouts and seven flyouts, showing her ability to induce contact outs. Victoria Perez entered in relief and pitched a perfect inning, striking out one and not allowing any baserunners.
Mariah Cunningham recorded three hits and an RBI while being hit by a pitch, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Cheyenne Cunningham added a double and drove in two runs, demonstrating her effectiveness at the plate. Mallory Seidel collected two hits, scored a run, and executed a successful sacrifice bunt, showcasing her versatility in offensive situations. Olivia Wright also doubled and scored one run at the plate.
The Lady Warriors (5-13) will be back in action at the Friends University Tournament. The games scheduled for Friday, March 6 have been cancelled due to weather but the games scheduled for Saturday, March 7 are still on. Sterling will play Baker University (9-6) at 10 a.m. followed by a game against Doane University (6-7) at 2:30 p.m., weather permitting.
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.
