OTTAWA, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Ottawa University in a double header on Saturday, March 14. The Lady Warriors lost game one 4–0 and game two 8-1.
Game 1
In game one, Sterling was unable to capitalize on its two doubles, while Ottawa University secured all its runs in the first inning.
The first inning set the tone for the game. Cheyenne Cunningham hit a double to left field, but Sterling was unable to capitalize, leaving one runner stranded. Ottawa responded with a strong offensive showing, scoring four runs. Cece Mora singled and later scored on Emma Melvin’s RBI single. Brookelynn Becker scored on an error, followed by Elza Clift stealing home. Alexandra Genty scored on a wild pitch, giving the Braves a 4–0 lead by the end of the first inning.
Both teams remained scoreless through the subsequent innings. Sterling’s Mariah Cunningham managed a single in the fourth inning, and later, a double in the sixth, but the team could not bring her home. Ottawa maintained its lead throughout the game.
The game concluded with a final score of Ottawa 4, Sterling 0.
Macaela Ambriz pitched a complete game for Sterling, recording 6 innings with 109 pitches and 65 strikes. She allowed 5 hits, 4 runs, and 3 earned runs while issuing 2 walks and striking out three batters. Ambriz maintained a WHIP of 1.17 and managed to keep Ottawa scoreless in five of her six innings pitched. Despite the early challenges, she ended the game without allowing any runs in the final five innings.
Mariah Cunningham recorded two hits, including a double, contributing to her impressive 1.667 OPS. Cheyenne Cunningham also added to the team’s offensive efforts with a double in her one-hit performance.
Game 2
Sterling managed to score a single run in the fourth inning, while Ottawa capitalized with a five-run fourth inning to secure its victory.
Ottawa took an early lead in the first inning, with Brookelynn Becker grounding out to shortstop to bring in Abby Bellamy, making it 1-0.
In the second inning, Braxton Stainbrook doubled and later scored on a groundout by Devanie Medina. Cassi Rodgers also scored after a double by Cece Mora, pushing the Braves’ lead to 3-0.
Sterling got on the board in the fourth inning when C. Cunningham walked and advanced to third after an error. Alessandra Ambriz hit a sacrifice fly to right field, allowing C. Cunningham to score an unearned run, narrowing the gap to 8–1.
Despite a single from Olivia Wright and M. Cunningham in the seventh inning, Sterling was unable to rally. The game concluded with Ottawa securing an 8–1 victory.
Maria Casillas pitched 4 innings, allowing 10 hits and eight runs, with four of those runs earned. She struck out one batter and walked two, throwing a total of 87 pitches, 48 of which were strikes. Victoria Perez provided relief for 2 innings, allowing no hits or runs, with one walk and five flyouts, achieving a WHIP of 0.50.
Mallory Seidel recorded two hits in her four at-bats, contributing significantly to Sterling’s offensive efforts. Cheyenne Cunningham scored a run and added a hit while also being disciplined at the plate with a walk. Alessandra Ambriz drove in Sterling’s sole run with a sacrifice fly, effectively converting her opportunity with runners on base.
Up next, Sterling (7-17, 2-2) will host McPherson College (6-10, 0-4) in a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 18 with game one set to begin at 3 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.
