Warrior Softball Splits in Games Against Hastings

Sterling, Kan- The Sterling College Warriors took on Hastings College in a doubleheader, gaining a win and a loss on their record. Despite the rough score of the first game, the Warriors stayed strong and responded with a fighting spirit in the second game.

Game 1- Sterling -3 Hastings -11

No inning was left without a run in the first game, many of the runs from Hastings. Hastings collect a single run in the first and second innings. The Warriors were denied any opportunity for runs until the third inning, when Makenna Linden doubled, stole third, and then scored after a Hastings wild pitch. The inning ended quickly after three straight pop ups to the Hastings defenders.

The Warriors gained another run in the fourth inning after Hastings had already gathered seven runs in the first four innings. Brennah Jimenez hit a single to center field and was pinch ran for by Phoebi Waller. Waller advanced after ground out from Bailey Garber and Julia Beyale reaching on an error. As Beyale stole second base under Hasting's watch, Waller scored, bringing the score to 7-2.

After a great defensive effort from the Warriors at the top of the fifth inning, they collected one more run by Mason. After her walk, Mason moved up on back to back singles by Maria Casillas and Brennah Jimenez, giving her the chance to make her way home. The inning ended after Garber struck out swinging, the score 3-7.

Hastings remained relentless, however, gaining two runs each in the sixth and seventh innings before the end of the game. Hastings dominated the scoreboard with an 11-3 game.

Three Warriors shared the mound against Hastings. Allie Olivarria pitched for four innings, giving up eight hits and seven runs, but had one strikeout. Mason had better luck on the mound, striking out four Hastings batters. Mason gave up three hits and two runs. MacKenzie Viehland, in her quick time on the mound, gave up two runs on one hit.

Game 2- Sterling -7 Hastings -5

The Warriors came back with a vengeance against Hastings, determined to prove worthy opponents on their home field.

The first and second innings remained quiet as the Warriors and Hastings put up a great defensive front. Hastings finally scored three runs in the third inning, but the lead didn't last long as the Warriors followed with three runs of their own. After a single from Esperanza Ammerman, she used her speed to score from first base on a double from Sam Araiza. Araiza quickly followed behind, reaching the home plate after a hit from Mason. Mason watched as Linden lined out to the first base and advanced to third when Jimenez reached first on an error by the pitcher. Campos flew out to the right field, a sacrifice fly that allowed Mason to come home. The Warrior's opportunity to score closed after Garber struck out swinging. This didn't stop the Warrior's flow.

The fifth inning passed with little action, however, things picked up in the sixth inning. Araiza doubled down the left field line, then advanced to third after Mason grounded out to second base. Linden singled to center field and Araiza booked it home. Linden followed up with a steal to second and then raced home after a hit from Jimenez. Jimenez was then taken out and Alexis Hillhouse pinch ran for her. Campos and Casillas walked, loading up the bases with Campos at second and Hillhouse at third. Sam Graham hit and made it to the base on an error from the baseman, giving time for Campos and Hillhouse to score. Unfortunately, the Warriors' running streak ended after Ammerman struck out swinging, concluding the inning at 7-3.

Hastings tried to catch up in the sixth inning, gaining two runs before the Warriors forced a groundout for the last out. The game finished 7-5, Warriors, their fourth win of the season.

Adrianna Castillo controlled the mound in the Warrior's comeback. Castillo gave up ten hits and five runs but struck out four Hastings batters.

This bumps the Warriors' overall record to 4-6. The Warriors return to their home field on Mar. 4 in a doubleheader against Briar Cliff University.

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.