PLAINVIEW, Texas — Sterling College split a doubleheader with Wayland Baptist on Friday, Feb. 6. The Lady Warriors lost the first game 11-3 but bounced back in the second game to take a 5-7 victory.
Game 1
Sterling managed a late rally with three runs in the sixth inning, but Wayland secured the victory with a five-run fifth inning and a four-run sixth inning.
Sterling faced Wayland Baptist (TX) in a game that saw the home team take an early lead in the first inning. The Pioneers scored their first run when Kynleigh Kirby doubled and was brought home with a single by Brooke McLaurin, making it 1–0. In the third inning, Wayland extended their lead to 2–0 after Kailee Sanchez scored on a steal of home.
The fifth inning proved challenging for Sterling, as the Pioneers capitalized on errors and timely hits to score five runs, increasing their lead to 7–0. Sterling mounted a comeback in the sixth inning, starting with Mariah Cunningham tripling to left field and scoring on her sister, Cheyenne Cunningham‘s groundout. Kylie Dunbar then singled, and Mya Dunn drove in two more runs with a double, narrowing the gap to 7–3. However, Wayland responded with four additional runs in the bottom of the sixth, securing an 11–3 victory.
Melanie Ambriz pitched 5 innings for Sterling, allowing seven runs on seven hits and striking out two batters. She faced 26 batters, issuing three walks, and threw 100 pitches with 70 strikes, resulting in a WHIP of 2.00. Madison Hedgecock came in as relief, pitching 2/3 of an inning and giving up four runs on four hits. Hedgecock faced eight batters, hit one with a pitch, and threw 25 pitches with 16 strikes.
Dunn posted two RBIs with a double, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive efforts. M. Cunningham recorded a triple and added a run, showcasing her ability to impact the game. C. Cunningham registered a hit and an RBI, while also making three assists from the shortstop position. Dunbar finished with a hit and a run, aiding the team’s performance at the plate.
Game 2
The Lady Warriors secured the win om game 2 with a decisive four-run fifth inning, overcoming Wayland Baptist’s early lead.
Sterling opened the scoring in the first inning when M. Cunningham advanced to third on a wild pitch and then scored on an error, giving Sterling an early 1-0 lead. Wayland Baptist (TX) responded with a home run by Mikayla Carrillo, tying the game at 1-1 after the first inning.
In the third inning, Sterling pulled ahead again as M. Cunningham scored on a single by M. Seidel, making the score 2-1. However, the Pioneers answered with two runs of their own, taking a narrow 3-2 lead at the end of the third.
The fifth inning was pivotal for Sterling. Emily Samaniego and M. Cunningham both crossed the plate on a single by Seidel, who later scored on an error, contributing to a four-run surge. A sacrifice fly by Dunbar brought in another run, putting Sterling ahead 6-3 after the fifth inning.
In the sixth inning, Sterling added another run when C. Cunningham drove in M. Cunningham with a single, increasing the lead to 7-4. Wayland Baptist managed to score once more in the bottom of the sixth, but the Lady Warriors held firm.
The final inning saw Sterling maintain their defensive strength, closing the game with a 7-5 victory. The game concluded with Sterling securing the win over the Pioneers.
Sterling’s Maria Casillas pitched a complete game, throwing 7 innings with 107 pitches, 69 of which were strikes. Casillas allowed seven hits and five runs, four of which were earned, along with four walks and one home run. Despite the earned runs, Casillas maintained control throughout, recording one strikeout and inducing 11 flyouts and eight groundouts. The performance was highlighted by completing the full 7 innings, demonstrating endurance on the mound.
M. Cunningham scored four runs and collected three hits, including a double, demonstrating her effectiveness at the plate. Seidel contributed significantly with three RBIs and two hits, also adding a stolen base to her performance. C. Cunningham posted one hit and one RBI, while also drawing a walk.
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.
