Softball Opens Season with DH Loss to Briar Cliff

Sterling, Kan.- As the nonconference season begins through the cold months of Feb., the Sterling College Lady Warriors played a doubleheader against Briar Cliff University. The Warriors fell to the Chargers in both games, losing 2-0 in the first game and 3-1 in the second game.

Game 1- Sterling -0 Briar Cliff -2

The Warriors found difficulty getting onto the bases through the first inning but kept the Chargers from scoring as well despite a first inning baserunner and stolen base. The Warriors got their first baserunner in the second inning, when Brennah Jimenez singled to left center and reached third base after a hit by Julia Beyale and a passed ball. It wasn't until the fourth inning after the Chargers scored two that the Warriors found themselves fighting again. Aiyana Campos reached on a catcher's interference but was out at second on a stolen base attempt. The game continued on with no more runs scored, ending the game at 2-0 for the Chargers.

Jimenez and Beyale each had 1 hit during the game. Allie Olivarria pitched the entire game for Sterling. Olivarria gave up 2 runs, but neither one was earned, on 4 hits and had 3 strikeouts over 7 innings.

Game 2- Sterling -1 Briar Cliff -3

The second round against the Chargers was just as challenging for the Warriors, as neither team put up a run until the sixth inning. In the first inning, Sam Araiza was hit by the pitcher, and advanced to second after a wild pitch. The fourth inning held promise for the Warriors as Alyssa Mason singled down the right-field line, then advanced to second after a single from Jimenez, and then advanced to third after a catcher interference when Campos was batting. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Sterling was not able to plate a run finishing the inning with three straight strike outs. The Chargers made their move in the sixth inning, tallying three runs. The Warriors finally put up a run when Makenna Linden crossed home for Sterling's only run of the game, finishing the game with a score of 3-1.

Mason had two hits during the game, followed by a single hit from Jimenez. Adrianna Castillo pitched all seven innings, giving up 3 runs, none earned, on 6 hits and added 6 strikeouts.

Sterling is 0-2 this season and heads to Texas for four games this weekend as they continue through their early season, nonconference schedule.

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 all of the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.