BRANSON, Mo. — Sterling College dropped two games in day two of the Turf’s Up Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 21. The Lady Warriors started the day with a narrow defeat to Waldorf, 10-9, before losing to Graceland, 8-1.
Game 1
Sterling recorded five doubles and six stolen bases in the contest against Waldorf but a seven-run bottom of the fifth inning kept the game just out of reach.
Sterling secured a strong start in the second inning, scoring six runs. Mariah Cunningham and Alessandra Ambriz both singled, followed by a double from Mallory Seidel that brought in two runs. Victoria Perez and Ambriz each added doubles to drive in more runs, and Bailey Martinez capped the inning with a two-run double. The score was 6-0 after the second inning.
In the third inning, Waldorf scored for the first time. A single by Gabby Bierly brought Kylie Bates home after an initial error. The score stood at 6-1 with Sterling in the lead.
The fourth inning saw Sterling extend their lead with two additional runs. Perez singled and later scored on a dropped third strike, while Ambriz scored on a fielding error. The score was 8-1 after the fourth inning.
Waldorf rallied in the fifth inning with a seven-run surge, tying the game at 8-8. Dionne Lopez’s triple was crucial, driving in three runs, and a passed ball allowed another run to score.
In the sixth inning, Waldorf took the lead with two more runs. Jenna Busch’s single drove in both runs, setting the score at 10-8.
In the final inning, Sterling attempted a comeback. Olivia Wright walked, stole two bases, and scored on a sacrifice fly by Seidel. However, the rally was not enough to overcome the deficit. The final score was 10-9 in favor of Waldorf.
Victoria Perez started for Sterling, pitching 5 innings and allowing six earned runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and four walks. She faced 26 batters, throwing 75 pitches, and recorded eight fly outs and three ground outs. Madison Hedgecock came in as a relief, pitching 1 inning, giving up two earned runs on two hits, with one strikeout and three walks over 33 pitches.
Mallory Seidel drove in three runs and had one hit, including a double, showcasing her impact at the plate. Perez contributed significantly by scoring two runs and adding two hits, including a double. Bailey Martinez collected two RBIs from her single hit, a double, and made four assists defensively. Olivia Wright was active on the bases, scoring two runs and successfully stealing three bases.
Game 2
Sterling College fell to Graceland University 8-1 with the Warriors managing two hits and one run.
The Warriors’ M. Cunningham scored the team’s lone run in the second inning before Graceland pulled away with a five-run fourth inning.
The Lady Warriors opened the first inning with a scoreless half before Graceland took a 1-0 lead as Sydney Bears scored on a single by Makenzie Leake.
In the second inning, Sterling responded. Perez reached on an error, and Emily Samaniego‘s walk brought Perez home, tying the game at 1-1.
The fourth inning saw Graceland surge ahead. A series of plays, including a pop fly error and a double by Bradshaw, allowed them to score five runs. Graceland led 6-1 at the end of the fourth.
Graceland added another run in the fifth inning when Cook scored on a ground out, extending their lead to 7-1.
The sixth inning saw Graceland score once more, capitalizing on an error to make it 8-1.
Macaela Ambriz pitched 6 innings for Sterling, allowing eight hits and eight runs, three of which were earned. Ambriz recorded six strikeouts and issued five walks, facing a total of 34 batters. The pitcher threw 140 pitches in the outing, managing to prevent any home runs and notching eight groundouts compared to three flyouts.
Emily Samaniego contributed at the plate with one RBI and a walk. Bailey Martinez showed her defensive skills with three assists at shortstop. Olivia Wright added a hit to her stat line, contributing to the team’s offense.
Up next, Sterling (3-9) will take on Hesston College (1-3) in a doubleheader in Sterling, Kan. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 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.
