Warriors Just Miss Sweep Over (RV) Avila
Game 2
Game 2
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sterling | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 3 |
|
Avila | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
Game 1
Game 1
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sterling | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
|
Avila | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | X | 4 | 7 | 0 |
Kansas City, Mo. – The Lady Warriors just missed a two-game sweep over (RV) Avila University on Saturday giving up three runs late in game one that cost them the win. Sterling lost the first game 4-2. Game two seemed like it was all Sterling as they came away with a 9-4 win, handing the Eagles their first conference loss of the season.
Game 1 – Sterling 2, Avila 4
It was a solid pitching and defensive battle in the first game of the double header with Avila. The Eagles took the early lead scoring a run in the fourth inning. Sterling's answer came in the top of the sixth with the score still 1-0. Desiree Perales took advantage of an Alyssa Mason walk, and took one deep over the center field fence for a two-run, lead-changing, homerun. Avila answered right back scoring three run in the bottom of the sixth, taking the wind out of the sails of the Lady Warriors. Sterling was shut down in order in the top of the seventh and lost 4-2, nearly pulling off the upset of the top seeded Eagles.
Perales stole the show in game one going 3-3 in the game with the homerun and a pair of singles. She accounted for three of Sterling's five hits in the game. Others recording hits were Aiyana Campos and Kelly Hirlas. Mason pitched well against the top team, but took the loss. She gave up four runs on just seven hits while striking out two.
Game 2 – Sterling 9, Avila 4
Sterling had two big innings in game two and that was enough to hand Avila their first conference loss of the season. They scored 5 runs in the third and capped off the game with 4 more security runs in the seventh to claim the victory.
Timely hitting by the Warriors starting with an RBI double by Cheyenne Cunningham followed up by a series of singles allowed the runs to be scored. They scored the five runs on just six hits. Avila scored a run in the fifth on a throwing error and another run in the sixth on an RBI single. Then it was Sterling's turn once again as they scored four more runs in the inning. The big hit was a base-clearing double off the bat of Madilynn Green that plated three runs for Sterling. With a 9-2 lead heading into the bottom of the seventh, Sterling gave up a pair of runs to run away with a huge conference road win.
Campos led the way for Sterling going 3-3 with a walk making her day perfect at the plate. Mason, Perales, and Green each had a pair of hits. Green led the way with three RBIs, Hirlas and Mason each knocked in a pair, while Cunningham and Sam Graham each had one RBI. Allie Olivarria recorded her 13th win of the season, putting her atop the KCAC and NCCAA. Her two earned-run, seven strikeout performance keeps her as one of the KCAC's elite. She currently ranks 5th in the KCAC in strikeouts this season.
Sterling holds one of the best offenses in the country in several categories, while individually, Sterling boasts some of the best offensive stats in the KCAC. They are now 18-14 this season with a 6-6 conference record. As we come down the stretch of the season, they will be fighting for a chance to play in the KCAC postseason tournament.
They are scheduled to go on the road Wednesday afternoon to take on the Bethany College Swedes. The Warriors have now won five of their last seven games.
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.
