KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sterling College softball fell to Avila University on Saturday, April 18. The Lady Warriors started off slow, losing game one, 11-0, but were able to produce more runs in game two but still coming up short, 10-8.
Game 1
Sterling recorded three hits but was unable to score, while the Eagles’ offense capitalized with 11 runs on 11 hits. In the first inning, Avila took an early lead with Maya Richards and Abi Beaman scoring, making it 2-0.
The second inning saw Sterling’s Kylie Dunbar double and Mallory Seidel single, advancing Dunbar to third, but the Lady Warriors remained scoreless. Avila extended its lead with RBI singles from Elizabeth Harvey and Richards, concluding the inning at 4-0.
In the third inning, Avila scored four more runs, highlighted by a two-RBI single by Richards, increasing their advantage to 8-0. The Eagles added three more runs in the fourth inning, with Madison Kelly contributing a two-RBI double.
In the fifth inning, Sterling’s Seidel singled, but the team was unable to capitalize, ending the inning scoreless. The game concluded with Avila securing an 11-0 victory.
Taybor Rardin started on the mound for Sterling, pitching 1 inning and allowing three earned runs on four hits, with one walk and one strikeout. Victoria Perez entered as relief, pitching 2/3 inning and issuing one walk. Macaela Ambriz concluded the pitching efforts, throwing 2 1/3 innings and conceding eight earned runs on seven hits, with four walks and one strikeout.
Kylie Dunbar recorded one hit, a double, in the game. Mallory Seidel collected two hits, leading her team in that category. Alessandra Ambriz successfully caught a base stealer, contributing defensively.
Game 2
Sterling managed six hits in game two, including a double, but was unable to overcome the Eagles’ early scoring surge. Avila took an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a series of errors and walks to score two unearned runs. The Lady Warriors remained scoreless in the inning, leaving the score at 2-0 in favor of Avila.
In the second inning, the Eagles extended their lead with three more runs. A double by Emily Branson and a homer by Beaman brought in the runs, making it 5-0 by the end of the inning.
Sterling got on the board in the third inning. Mariah Cunningham singled and advanced to second on a sacrifice by Rardin. A. Ambriz then singled, allowing M. Cunningham to score on a fielding error. Avila responded with a run of its own, keeping its lead at 6-1 after the third inning.
In the fourth inning, the Eagles scored two additional runs, one of which came from an error that allowed Zoleecia Grayson to score. Sterling added a run in the fifth inning. Cheyenne Cunningham, who was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on a single by M. Cunningham and scored on Rardin’s sacrifice fly. Avila, however, countered with two more runs in the bottom half, bringing the final score to 10-2 in favor of the Eagles.
Macaela Ambriz started on the mound for Sterling and faced difficulties during her brief appearance, surrendering two hits and one earned run with no outs. She was replaced by Victoria Perez who pitched 1 inning, surrendering two hits which resulted in two runs. Taybor Rardin pichted 2 2/3 innings, surrendering five hits which resulted in five runs while striking out two batters, and Olivia Wright finished off the day for the Lady Warriors, pitching 1/3 an inning, surrendering no hits but giving up two runs on two walks.
Mariah Cunningham contributed offensively with two hits and scored one run while also stealing a base. Taybor Rardin added one RBI and effectively executed two sacrifice hits. Alessandra Ambriz recorded two hits and drove in one run, contributing behind the plate with two caught stealing. Bailey Martinez doubled for one of her hits, providing an additional offensive threat.
Sterling (13-31, 8-16) will play their last game of the regular season on Tuesday, April 21 in North Newton, Kan. as they take on Bethel College (12-20, 8-14) in a doubleheader set to begin at 4 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.
