WINFIELD, Kan. — Sterling College split a doubleheader with Southwestern College on Saturday, March 21. The Lady Warriors started off game one with a decisive 5–0 shutout but came up short in game two, 8-6.
Game 1
Sterling’s pitching staff only allowed four hits while striking out five batters, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The scoring opened in the third inning when Mallory Seidel doubled, driving in Macaela Ambriz and Cheyenne Cunningham. Both Seidel and Mariah Cunningham later scored on passed balls, bringing the total to four runs in the inning. After the third, the score stood at 4–0 in favor of Sterling.
In the sixth inning, Alessandra Ambriz doubled and was brought home by a sacrifice fly from Mya’ Dunn, adding another run for Sterling. This extended the lead to 5–0, where it remained until the end of the game.
Sterling’s pitching was dominant, keeping the Moundbuilders scoreless throughout. The final score was 5–0, confirming Sterling’s commanding win.
M. Ambriz delivered an outstanding performance on the mound, pitching a complete game shutout over 7 innings. She allowed only four hits and issued a single walk while striking out five batters, demonstrating effective control with 59 strikes out of 85 pitches.
Cheyenne Cunningham recorded two hits, scored a run, and stole a base in her performance. Mallory Seidel contributed significantly with a double and two RBIs. Mariah Cunningham added a triple, scored a run, and collected a stolen base.
Game 2
Sterling and Southwestern faced off in a competitive matchup. The third inning saw Sterling take the lead with a two-RBI double from Maria Casillas, scoring C. Cunningham and A. Ambriz. However, Southwestern responded with two runs to tie the game by the end of the inning, 2-2.
In the fourth inning, the Lady Warriors added two more runs. Kylie Dunbar‘s aggressive base running set up an RBI walk by Emily Samaniego, followed by M. Cunningham’s triple that brought Samaniego home. Southwestern countered with three runs, taking the lead, 5-4.
The fifth inning was pivotal as the Moundbuilders extended their lead with three runs, making it 8-4 by the end of the inning.
Sterling narrowed the gap in the sixth inning. Casillas delivered again with a two-RBI double, plating M. Cunningham and C. Cunningham making the score 8-6.
The seventh inning was scoreless for both teams, concluding the game with a final score of 8-6 in favor of the Moundbuilders.
Victoria Perez pitched a complete game for Sterling, working through 6 innings against Southwestern. She faced 31 batters, allowing 11 hits and eight earned runs. Perez recorded nine strikeouts and issued only one walk. Despite the challenges, her performance included an impressive 26 strikes out of 31 pitches thrown, demonstrating her control on the mound.
Maria Casillas delivered a strong performance by hitting 3-for-4 with two doubles and four RBIs. Cheyenne Cunningham contributed with two hits and two runs scored while also drawing a walk and stealing a base. Mariah Cunningham added to the offensive output by going 2-for-4, including a triple, and driving in a run. Victoria Perez pitched a complete game, striking out nine batters over six innings.
Up next, the Lady Warriors (10-18, 5-3) will take on Bethany College (8-15, 2-4) on Tuesday, March 24 in Sterling, Kan. with first pitch to be thrown at 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.
