WICHITA, Kan. — Sterling fell to Friends in a closely contested doubleheader on Wednesday, April 1 at the Two Rivers Complex on Wednesday. The Lady Warriors lost the first game 1-0 and jumped out to an early lead in game two but couldn’t hold on and lost 8-4.
Game 1
Sterling faced off against Friends University in a closely contested game. The first five innings remained scoreless for both teams. In the sixth inning, the Falcons broke the deadlock with Ezra Arredondo singling to left field, followed by Izzy Jones hitting a double to left field, allowing Arredondo to score for the only run of the game. Despite a strong defensive effort throughout, Sterling was unable to score in the seventh inning. The Falcons secured the victory with a final score of 1-0.
Macaela Ambriz pitched a complete game for Sterling, allowing just one earned run over 6 innings. She struck out eight batters while walking two and gave up five hits. Ambriz threw 118 pitches, with 75 of those being strikes.
Mariah Cunningham showcased her speed on the bases, successfully stealing one base during the game. Mallory Seidel contributed offensively with a hit in two at-bats, finishing with a perfect 1.000 on base percentage. Mya’ Dunn displayed solid defense at third base, recording two assists.
Game 2
The game commenced with a scoreless first inning for both sides. In the second inning, Olivia Wright scored on an RBI double by Ashley Johnson, giving Sterling an early lead. At the end of the second, the score was 1-0 in favor of Sterling.
In the fourth inning, Wright homered to left field to add another run for the Lady Warriors. The Falcons responded strongly in their half of the inning, scoring six runs, including a three-run homer by Zoie Redgate. By the end of the fourth, Friends University led 6-2.
During the sixth inning, Sterling attempted to close the gap. Wright doubled and later scored on a ground out by Johnson. M. Cunningham scored on a single by Alessandra Ambriz, reducing the deficit. However, the Falcons added two more runs to maintain their lead. The score stood at 8-4 after six innings.
The Lady Warriors unable to score in the seventh inning, resulting in a final score of Friends University 8, Sterling 4.
Maria Casillas pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing six earned runs on seven hits, including one home run, while striking out one batter. She faced 23 batters, issuing four walks and two wild pitches. Macaela Ambriz entered in relief and pitched 2 1/3 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits and striking out one. Ambriz threw 39 pitches, 23 of which were strikes, and allowed only one walk.
Olivia Wright delivered a standout performance, hitting a home run and a double while scoring three runs and driving in one. Ashley Johnson contributed significantly by recording two RBIs with a double and earning a walk. Mariah Cunningham added two hits and scored a run, maintaining a perfect on-base percentage. Alessandra Ambriz rounded out the key performances by driving in a run and stealing a base.
Up next, the Lady Warriors (10-24, 5-9) will host Evangel University (30-4, 12-0) in a doubleheader in Sterling, Kan. on Friday, April 3. The first pitch is scheduled to be thrown at 1 p.m. with an Easter egg hunt hosted by Warrior Athletics to be conducted between innings. Children ages walking to 6th grade are invited to join in the fun.
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.
