Softball Falls to Briar Cliff in Double-Header

Sterling, Kan- The Warriors lost a pair of close games this past weekend against Briar Cliff. Sterling struggled to get anything going offensively giving the Chargers the two game sweep. This brings Sterling's overall record to 4-8.

Game 1- Sterling -3 Briar Cliff -5

The Warrior's pitching and defense were strong for six innings in game 1 on Saturday. They made a few errors in the field, but the Chargers were not able to capitalize on most of them. Sterling allowed just a single run in both the second and sixth innings.

Sterling didn't find the plate until the fifth inning. Aiyana Campos and Sam Araiza both came around to score in the inning. Campos started things off with a single, then watched a pair of strikeouts. With two outs, Araiza doubled to the left center, advancing to third on the throw home and Campos beat the throw for the Warrior's first run. Behind Araiza, Alyssa Mason walked, then Maria Casillas singled, allowing Araiza to score. The inning ended with Brennah Jimenez flying out to center field. The Warriors took the lead, 2-1.

Briar Cliff tied the game in the sixth inning, then pulled ahead with three runs in the seventh inning. The Warriors collected one final run in the seventh inning as well, but it was too little too late for Sterling. The final score was 5-3 in favor of the Chargers.

Allie Olivarria pitched a complete game giving up 5 runs on 10 hits over her seven innings. She did not strike out any batters and took the loss.

Game 2- Sterling -0 Briar Cliff -1

The second game of the double header was a combination of excellent pitching and solid defense. Makenna Linden gave Sterling their best opportunity to score, and their only hit of the game, in the second inning when she hit a one out double to center field. She later advanced to third base on a wild pitch, but was stranded sixty feet away. That was the only opportunity the Warriors were afforded in the second game of the day.

Briar Cliff got the only run of the ball game on a two out, fluke play in the field, one that brought justified questions about whether the run should count. With runners on the corners and two outs, Briar Cliff ran a delayed steal resulting in a rundown. The player was tagged out and the runner at third had not crossed the plate. Immediately after the tag, Araiza dropped the ball and the runner had given herself up. Sterling, because of the dropped ball, proceeded to tag the runner once again, who had already given herself up. Before the second tag was applied, the runner from third scored and was credited with the run, the only run of the ballgame. Sterling ended the game taking a 1-0 loss with that being the only run scored in the game.

Adrianna Castillo dominated the pitcher's mound this game. Castillo gave one run on six hits and struck out three Briar Cliff batters.

The Warriors have two more opponents before the start of their conference season. Their next game is a double-header against Central Christian on Mar 7 at home. First pitch will be thrown at 3 pm.

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.