STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College swept Hesston College in a doubleheader on Tuesday, Feb. 24 with an 8-5 victory in game one and an 11-3 run-rule win in game two.
Game 1
Hesston took an early lead in the first inning when Serena Hewes tripled and later scored on a steal of home. Chloe Merjil and Gabriella Pantoja added runs, giving the Larks a 3-1 advantage after Alessandra Ambriz‘s RBI single put Sterling on the board. The score was 3-1 after the first inning.
In the third inning, Hesston extended its lead with Ciara Mendez’s double and Alexis Newlin’s RBI fielder’s choice, making it 4-1.
Sterling took command in the fourth inning. Mya’ Dunn hit a solo home run to start the rally. Mariah Cunningham doubled, driving in one run, and Mallory Seidel followed with a two-RBI double, bringing the score to 5-4 in Sterling’s favor.
In the fifth inning, Sterling capitalized on errors, scoring two more runs. Bailey Martinez scored on a throwing error, and Dunn added another run, pushing the lead to 7-5.
Sterling added an insurance run in the sixth inning. A single by Martinez, followed by a fielding error, allowed Cheyenne Cunningham to score, bringing the final tally to 8-5.
The seventh inning saw no changes in score, and Sterling secured the victory. Final score: Sterling 8, Hesston 5.
Macaela Ambriz pitched a complete game, leading Sterling to victory with a 7-inning performance. M. Ambriz allowed eight hits and five runs while striking out three batters and walking three. The pitcher faced 32 batters, throwing 103 pitches, 67 of which were strikes, resulting in a WHIP of 1.57. Despite allowing four earned runs, Ambriz secured the win.
Mya Dunn led Sterling with a home run and two stolen bases, contributing two runs in the game. Mallory Seidel added a crucial two-run double, driving in two runs for the team. Cheyenne Cunningham tallied two hits and scored twice, showcasing effective offensive play.
Game 2
Sterling collected 12 hits, including four doubles and a triple, while holding Hesston to five hits and capitalizing on two errors.
The Lady Warriors secured a decisive victory over the Larks, 11-3, in a game highlighted by strong offensive performances. In the first inning, M. Cunningham was hit by a pitch and later scored on an RBI single by Alessandra Ambriz, giving Sterling an early 1-0 lead.
The second inning saw Sterling extend its advantage, scoring three runs. Ashley Johnson walked and scored on a single by Olivia Wright. M. Cunningham tripled to drive in Wright, and C. Cunningham’s single brought M. Cunningham home, increasing the lead to 4-0.
Hesston responded with three runs in the third inning, capitalizing on a fielding error and a fielder’s choice to narrow the gap to 4-3. However, Sterling answered back in the fourth inning with M. Cunningham scoring on a sacrifice fly by A. Ambriz, making it 5-3.
The fifth inning was pivotal for Sterling, with six runs scored. Johnson and Kylie Dunbar each doubled, with Johnson scoring on Wright’s fielder’s choice. M. Cunningham’s single drove in two more runs, followed by Seidel’s RBI double. Emily Samaniego contributed with a sacrifice bunt, and an error allowed A. Ambriz to score, finalizing the inning at 11-3.
Sterling’s offense and a complete game from pitcher Victoria Perez secured the win over the Larks with a final score of 11-3.
Victoria Perez delivered a complete game performance for Sterling, pitching 5 innings with 59 pitches thrown, 47 of which were strikes. Perez allowed five hits and three earned runs, securing the win with a 1.00 WHIP. Notably, Perez did not issue any walks and struck out two batters, demonstrating control and efficiency throughout the game.
Mariah Cunningham recorded three hits, driving in three runs and scoring four times while also stealing two bases. Alessandra Ambriz contributed with two hits, including a double, and drove in two runs. Olivia Wright added a hit, drove in two runs, and scored twice while successfully stealing a base.
Up next, Sterling (5-9) will travel to Nevada, Mo. to take on Cottey College (8-3) in a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 28 with the first game starting 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.
