Lady Warrior Walkoff Earns Split with Yellowjackets

Sterling, Kan. – Lady Warrior softball continues to play well earning a split against Graceland University in walkoff fashion once again on Tuesday. They improve their season record to 8-4 as nonconference play continues in the early season.

Game 1 – Sterling 2, Graceland 5

The first game of the doubleheader was decided in the early innings with Graceland scoring four of their five runs in the first two innings. The Yellowjackets took advantage of three free passes and a timely hit to take the early lead. Sterling's only answer came in the bottom of the sixth when they were able to take advantage of an error. After the error and a pair of singles, Kelly Hirlas singled down the right field line scoring both Alexis Hillhouse and Desiree Perales. That was all they could muster and ended with a 5-2 loss.

Allie Olivarria got the start and took the loss giving up all 5 runs. She gave up nine hits, struck out 2, and walked 1. Hirlas had the only 2 RBIs in the game for Sterling, and was the only Warrior with more than one hit.

Game 2 – Sterling 12, Graceland 11

There was an offensive explosion by both teams in the second game. Sterling scored early with three runs in the first and four more in the second, almost putting themselves in position for a run-rule opportunity. In the first inning, they took advantage of the extra out from an error with two of the three runs coming from another Hirlas single to right. The four runs in the second inning were highlighted by an Aiyana Campos three-run blast.

The Yellowjackets were not deterred as they worked their way back into the game. They scored 2 in the third, two in the fourth, and four in the fifth, as Sterling added just one run in the same span. In the sixth inning, the Warriors rallied with two outs to score three runs and took a three-run lead into the top of the seventh. The three run lead was quickly erased in the top of the seventh before the Sterling recorded their three outs and it came down to the final three outs for the Warriors to score a run. Back to back errors, a groundout that advanced the runners, and a hit batter set the table for Campos to come through once again. This time all it took was a single to left center for Campos to walk it off and capture a 12-11 win over the Yellowjackets.

Campos was 3 for 5 with 5 RBIs in the game. Also knocking in runs were Alyssa Mason and Hirlas with 2 each, and Hillhouse, Perales, and Alexxis Thompson with an RBI each. Campos and Perales both had homeruns in the game as well.

Alyssa Mason got the start and pitched three and two thirds innings giving up 4 runs on 3 hits. She struck out 7 and walked 8 and received a no decision. MacKenzie Viehland pitched two and a third innings allowing 6 runs on 5 hits. Allie Olivarria came in for an inning and gave up 1 run and struck out 2, but earned the win.

Sterling improves to 8-4 this season and will be back in action for a weekend tournament at Friends University where they will play four games in two days.

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.