STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College split with the University of Saint Mary on Senior Day held Saturday, April 11. The Lady Warriors started with a 3-2 win over the Spires in an extra-inning thriller before losing game two, 3-1.
Game 1
USM jumped out to an early lead scoring a run in the top of the first but Sterling responded with Olivia Wright doubling to left field in the bottom of the second, setting the stage for Maria Casillas, who singled and moved Wright to third. Mallory Seidel then delivered a single up the middle, allowing Wright to score and tie the game.
The eighth inning proved crucial, with both teams finding opportunities to score. The Spires capitalized first, with Audrey Spellman advancing to third on a sacrifice bunt and scoring on a single by Nora Burrell. The Lady Warriors answered in their half thanks to a throwing error by the first baseman, which allowed Cheyenne Cunningham to score. Alessandra Ambriz later scored on a fielding error by the right fielder, giving Sterling a 3–2 lead. At the end of the eighth inning.
Macaela Ambriz delivered a strong performance on the mound, pitching a complete game over 8 innings. She allowed six hits and only one earned run while striking out two batters. Ambriz issued three walks and hit one batter.
Olivia Wright recorded two hits, including a double, while scoring once in the game. Mariah Cunningham contributed with a hit and a sacrifice bunt in her at-bats. Mallory Seidel added a hit and drove in a run, also reaching base after being hit by a pitch.
Game 2
Sterling came up short in game two with the lone run coming in the sixth inning. The Lady Warriors managed five hits and one RBI, while the Spires recorded eight hits and two doubles.
Saint Mary took the lead in the fourth inning when Raegan McConnell singled, driving in Grace Rose, who had earlier doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch.
In the fifth inning, the Spires extended their lead. Kylie Vandervoort singled and later scored on a double by Burrell. Rose’s single set up another RBI opportunity, which McConnell capitalized on with a single, bringing Burrell home. By the end of the inning, Sterling trailed 3–0.
The Lady Warriors responded in the sixth inning. Taybor Rardin singled and advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Mya’ Dunn singled down the left field line, driving in Rardin. This closed the gap, but Sterling remained behind 3–1.
The game ended with Sterling unable to score in the seventh inning, leavig the final score, 3-1, in favor of the Spires.
Maria Casillas pitched 4 innings for Sterling, allowing two hits, one earned run, and recording four strikeouts while issuing three walks and one wild pitch. Taybor Rardin took over in relief, throwing 2 1/3 innings and conceding two hits with one walk.
Olivia Wright collected two hits and scored a run. Mya’ Dunn contributed with a hit and an RBI.
The Lady Warriors will be back in action on Wednesday, April 15 as they host York University in Sterling, Kan. with the first pitch to take place at 2 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.
