Lady Warriors split with Bluejays

Sterling College softball took on Tabor College in a doubleheader on Wednesday, April 16 in their final home-game of the regular season. The Lady Warriors started slow with a 7-2 loss in game one but bounced back with a 3-1 win in game two.

Game 1

Sterling came out sluggish, not scoring until the bottom of the seventh inning and by then Tabor had amassed a large enough lead to stay ahead of the Warriors.

Tabor came out swinging from the start, scoring quickly in the top of the first to get an early 1-0 lead. The Bluejays were able to add to their lead in the top of the fifth with another run to increase their lead to 2-0.

The game really got out of hand in the top of the seventh as scored five runs to extend their lead to 7-0.

Despite the lead, the Lady Warriors continued to battle taking advantage of errors by the Bluejays to work their way around the base path. Mary Casillas got the Lady Warriors on the board with a single through the left side to bring home Madilynn Green and Aiyana Campos, closing the gap 7-2.

However, the surge came a little too late and Sterling was unable to surpass Tabor.

MacKenzie Viehland started in the center circle for the Lady Warriors. She pitched six and one-third innings, giving up nine hits which resulted in six runs while walking one batter and striking out two. Casillas came in as relief, finishing out the seventh inning and only giving up one hit.

Game 2

The Lady Warriors turned things around in game two and came away with the 3-1 win.

Tabor struck first once again with a double to left center from Cheyenne Washington in the top of the first to bring in Peyton Staley for the 1-0 lead.

Sterling answered back quickly this time with single through the left side from Kelly Hirlas to bring in Bryley Westfahl in for the tying 1-1 score.

The two teams continued to battle defensively until the Lady Warriors were able to take the lead in the bottom of the fifth.

Mariah Cunningham tripled to centerfield to bring home Westfahl. She then capitalized on a throwing error by the short stop to get home in the same play giving Sterling the 3-1 lead they needed to take home the win.

Allie Olivarria started from the center circle for the Lady Warriors. She faced 28 batters through seven innings, surrendering five hits which resulted in one run and striking out two batters.

Sterling will be back in action in Bartlesville, Okla. as they take on Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Friday, April 18.

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.