NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — Sterling split a doubleheader with Bethel in the final games of the season on Tuesday, April 21. The Lady Warriors lost the first in a close 10–9 contest and bounced back in game two to defeat the Threshers 5-4.
Game 1
Game one began with the Threshers taking an early lead in the first inning with two runs driven in by a double from Katelynn Quidato, making the score 2–0.
Sterling rallied in the fifth inning. Cheyenne Cunningham‘s single to right field brought in two unearned runs, leveling the score at 2–2.
The sixth inning saw Bethel respond with a significant offensive effort, scoring seven runs. A key play was Kiyana Cash’s three-run homer, pushing the Threshers ahead to 9–2.
In the seventh inning, the Lady Warriors mounted a strong comeback attempt. Mya’ Dunn and Bailey Martinez hit back-to-back doubles, with Martinez driving in Dunn. Mallory Seidel, Alessandra Ambriz and Kylie Dunbar each contributed RBI doubles, while Victoria Perez‘s single brought in the game tying run.
Bethel sealed the game in the bottom of the seventh with a double to center field by Kailey Sandoval that brought in the decisive run, ending the contest with a final score of 10–9 in favor of the Threshers.
Taybor Rardin started on the mound for Sterling, pitching 1 1/3 innings and allowing five earned runs on four hits, including one home run, while striking out none and hitting two batters. Victoria Perez entered in relief, delivering 2/3 of an inning, during which she conceded two earned runs on four hits. Macaela Ambriz pitched the final 4 1/3 innings, surrendering three earned runs on eight hits, while striking out two and walking one batter.
Cheyenne Cunningham contributed with two RBIs while securing one hit. Alessandra Ambriz recorded three hits, including a double, and scored twice. Kylie Dunbar tallied three hits and drove in two runs, also hitting a double. Mya’ Dunn added two hits and crossed the plate twice.
Game 2
The Lady Warriors wasted no time getting to work in game two. In the first inning, Sterling’s C. Cunningham scored on Olivia Wright‘s single to center field, leveling the score after the Threshers’ Kenzi Young scored on a sacrifice fly. The score was tied at 1-1 at the end of the first inning.
The game remained tied through the fourth inning, with neither team adding to their score. In the fifth inning, Bethel took the lead. Regan May, a pinch runner, scored on an error, followed by Tressa Ring scoring on Cash’s double, pushing Bethel ahead 3–1.
Sterling responded decisively in the sixth inning. Olivia Wright doubled, and after an error allowed Dunbar to reach base, Dunn drove in two runs with a single. Mariah Cunningham then added an RBI single, and Seidel’s double brought in another run, giving Sterling a 5–3 lead.
Bethel added one more run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Lady Warriors held on to secure a 5–4 victory.
Macaela Ambriz delivered a complete game performance, pitching 7 innings with five strikeouts and no walks. She allowed eight hits and three earned runs. Despite the 4 runs scored against Sterling, Ambriz’s control was evident with her zero walks allowed.
Mariah Cunningham collected two hits and drove in one run. Olivia Wright contributed two hits, including a double, and added one RBI. Mya’ Dunn recorded a hit and drove in two runs.
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.
