STERLING, Kan. — Sterling split with York in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 15. The Lady Warriors started strong with a 1-0 shutout win, but errors got the best of them in game two with six errors leading to a 9-6 loss.
Game 1
Sterling’s win was largely supported by a strong pitching performance from Macaela Ambriz that included seven strikeouts and allowed just six hits. The game’s decisive moment came in the third inning when Mariah Cunningham tripled, setting the stage for the Lady Warriors’ only run. Ashley Johnson followed with a single, and Olivia Wright reached on a fielder’s choice, allowing Cunningham to cross home plate. The inning ended with Sterling leading 1-0.
The rest of the game saw both teams unable to add to their scorelines, with Sterling’s defense maintaining the lead through a complete game shutout by pitcher M. Ambriz.
Macaela Ambriz delivered a commanding performance on the mound for Sterling, pitching a complete game shutout over 7 innings. She allowed six hits but did not issue any walks, effectively controlling the game from start to finish. Ambriz struck out seven batters.
Ashley Johnson collected three hits, demonstrating consistency at the plate. Mariah Cunningham added a triple, contributing to the team’s offensive efforts. Kylie Dunbar recorded a double, showcasing her ability to advance into scoring position.
Game 2
Sterling recorded 10 hits, including two doubles and a triple, in game two but errors got the best of the Lady Warriors with six total allowing the Panthers to pull ahead.
In the first inning, M. Cunningham initiated Sterling’s scoring with a bunt single and subsequent stolen base. Alessandra Ambriz drove in M. Cunningham with a single to center field, tying the game at one apiece.
The second inning was eventful, with both teams tallying three runs each. For Sterling, Mallory Seidel reached on an error, setting the stage for Cheyenne Cunningham‘s RBI double. M. Cunningham followed with an RBI triple, and Johnson added an RBI single. The inning ended tied at 4–4.
In the fourth inning, Sterling added two more runs. Bailey Martinez reached on an error and scored on M. Cunningham’s double. Olivia Wright contributed a sacrifice fly to bring in C. Cunningham, giving Sterling a 6–5 lead by the end of the fourth inning.
The Panthers took control in the sixth inning, scoring three runs. Taylor Jones’ triple accounted for two RBIs, shifting the lead in favor of York at 8–6.
York added an insurance run in the seventh inning, leading to the final score of 9–6.
Maria Casillas pitched 4 innings, allowing five runs on six hits while striking out one batter and walking one. She threw 64 pitches, 41 of which were strikes. Taybor Rardin came in as a reliever, pitching 2 innings, giving up three runs on four hits, and recording 13 strikes out of 20 pitches. Victoria Perez closed the game with 1 inning, surrendering one run on two hits, with 11 strikes from 17 pitches.
Mariah Cunningham recorded four hits, including a double and a triple, and scored twice while driving in two runs. Cheyenne Cunningham added a double and collected two runs and one RBI. Ashley Johnson contributed with a hit and an RBI.
Sterling will finish out the season in Kansas City, Mo. as they take on Avila University in a doubleheader on Saturday, April 18. The first pitch is set to be thrown at noon.
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.
