STERLING, Kan. — Sterling split a doubleheader with Evangel getting a 2-1 upset win in game one before a 15-0 loss in game 2 on Friday, April 3.
Game 1
Evangel University took an early lead in the third inning when Chloe Krans scored on Kenna Mayfield’s double to left field. The inning ended with Valor up 1-0.
In the sixth inning, Sterling’s offense gained momentum. Cheyenne Cunningham walked and later scored on Alessandra Ambriz‘s double to right center. A pinch runner, Taybor Rardin, scored on Maria Casillas‘s single to the catcher. Sterling took the lead 2-1 by the end of the sixth and maintained it through the seventh to claim victory.
Macaela Ambriz delivered a commanding performance for Sterling, pitching a complete game in their matchup against the Valor. Ambriz allowed only three hits and one earned run across 7 innings, achieving a WHIP of 0.57. She recorded six strikeouts while walking just one batter, contributing significantly to her team’s victory. Her efficient pitching was highlighted by retiring 11 batters on flyouts and inducing four groundouts.
Alessandra Ambriz led the team with two hits, including a double, and drove in one run. Cheyenne Cunningham scored a run and contributed a stolen base while drawing a walk. Maria Casillas made an impact as a pinch hitter, driving in one run with her lone hit.
Game 2
In the second inning, Valor capitalized on several errors, scoring 10 runs. Key plays included a double by Karli Facklam that allowed Kaylee Dolores to score, and a triple by Audrey Carlton that brought in two more runs. By the end of the inning, Evangel led 10-0.
Sterling’s defense continued to face challenges in the fourth inning as the Valor added five more runs. Errors contributed to Evangel’s scoring, including a throwing error that allowed multiple runners to score. Evangel University extended its lead to 15-0 by the end of the inning.
The Lady Warriors managed to get runners on base but were unable to convert them into runs. Olivia Wright and Mariah Cunningham both recorded hits in the fifth inning, but Valor maintained its defense, keeping Sterling scoreless.
The game concluded with Evangel University maintaining a 15-0 lead, sealing the win with a decisive performance.
Olivia Wright started in the center circle pitching 1.1 innings surrendering six hits and eight runs (seven earned) while issuing two walks. Taybor Rardin came in relief for the Lady Warriors. She pitched 1.2 innings, surrendering two hits which resulted in two runs while walking one batter. Maria Casillas finished the game pitching 2 innings for Sterling, allowing five runs on three hits. She struck out two batters, walked one and hits two, facing a total of 14 batters. Despite the 2 earned runs, she managed to record a pair of strikeouts in the fifth inning.
Mariah Cunningham reached base twice with a single and a walk, adding a stolen base to her performance. Kylie Dunbar successfully stole a base after reaching on an error while Olivia Wright collected a hit and executed a sacrifice bunt, contributing to the offensive efforts.
Up next, Sterling (11-25, 6-10) will host the University of Saint Mary (13-19, 6-8) in a doubleheader on Senior Day scheduled for Saturday, April 11 in Sterling, Kan. The first game will start at 1 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.
