Sterling drops a doubleheader to Oklahoma Wesleyan

STERLING, Kan. — Sterling dropped two games to Oklahoma Wesleyan in a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon, March 28. Both game one and game two were lost 7-3 with errors proving costly for the Lady Warriors

Game 1

Sterling faced off against Oklahoma Wesleyan, with the visitors taking an early lead. In the first inning, the Eagles capitalized on errors and a home run by Maria Fory to score three runs, despite facing some fielding challenges. Sterling responded in the bottom half with Mariah Cunningham scoring on Alessandra Ambriz's double, followed by Ambriz scoring on an error, making it 3–2 in favor of the Eagles after one inning.

The OKWU extended their lead in the third inning. Abby Huie doubled and eventually scored, along with Kami Withem, on a single by Raegan Rector. This made the score 5–2 after the third inning.

In the fourth inning, the Eagles added two more runs with a single by Rector bringing in Bailey Gustus and Huie, pushing their lead to 7–2. Sterling's defense held the Eagles scoreless in the fifth inning, maintaining the 7–2 score.

Sterling narrowed the gap in the sixth inning. Bailey Martinez led off with a single and eventually scored when Victoria Perez was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. This brought the score to 7–3.

The game concluded with the Eagles maintaining their lead, as neither team scored in the seventh inning. The final score was Oklahoma Wesleyan 7, Sterling 3.

Macaela Ambriz delivered a complete game performance for Sterling, pitching 7 innings and facing 34 batters. She allowed 10 hits, resulting in seven runs, including one home run, while striking out eight batters and walking none. Despite the loss, Ambriz's control was evident as she maintained a 1.43 WHIP and did not issue any walks throughout her outing.

Mariah Cunningham led the offense with two hits and scored one of Sterling's runs. Alessandra Ambriz contributed with a double and an RBI, adding a run to the tally. Mya' Dunn reached base twice, recording a hit and a hit-by-pitch.

Game 2

Sterling managed eight hits and three doubles, but Oklahoma Wesleyan capitalized early with a three-run first inning.

The Eagles took an early lead with a three-run homer by Brooklyn Purtell in the first inning. By the end of the inning, the score was 3–0. Sterling was unable to respond in its half of the inning.

In the second inning, the Eagles extended their lead with a two-RBI double from Kami Withem, pushing the score to 5–0.

OKWU added another run in the third inning, bringing the score to 6–0 with a sacrifice fly from Maddie Ogle.

The fourth inning saw the Eagles score again on a double by Purtell, making it 7–0.

Sterling got on the board in the fifth inning when M. Cunningham singled, driving in M. Ambriz. The score was 7–1.

The Lady Warriors continued to chip away in the seventh inning. M. Cunningham and Cheyenne Cunningham both scored on a fielding error, narrowing the gap to a final score of 7–3 in favor of Oklahoma Wesleyan.

Victoria Perez started in the center circle for the Lady Warriors. She pitched 4 innings, allowing seven earned runs on nine hits, including four doubles and a home run. Macaela Ambriz delivered a strong performance from relief for Sterling, pitching 3 innings without allowing an earned run. She faced 11 batters, gave up two hits, and struck out two, maintaining a low WHIP of 0.67.

Cheyenne Cunningham recorded three stolen bases and added two hits, including a double, to her performance. Mariah Cunningham contributed with two hits and collected an RBI, while also stealing a base. Macaela Ambriz delivered a double among her two hits and pitched three scoreless innings.

With the loss, the Lady Warrior move to 10-22 on the season, 5-7 in conference. They will take on Friends University (15-14, 5-5) on Wednesday, April 1 in Wichita, Kan. with the first doubleheader starting 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.