WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern opened its conference doubleheader against Sterling with a 5-0 loss in game one on Saturday.
Game 1: Sterling 5, Southwestern 0
Sterling used a four-run third inning and a strong pitching performance to hand Southwestern a 5-0 loss in the opener.
The Moundbuilders were limited to four hits and left six runners on base, unable to find timely offense. Jolie Boyd led Southwestern with two hits, while Taylor Mesna added a double.
Sterling took control in the third inning with four runs and added an insurance run in the sixth, while Southwestern was unable to generate a response.
Game 2: Southwestern 8, Sterling 6
Southwestern bounced back in the nightcap, using timely hitting and a mid-game surge to secure an 8-6 victory.
After falling behind early, the Moundbuilders plated two runs in the third inning before taking control with three-run innings in both the fourth and fifth.
Lainey Hardman led the offense with a triple and double, driving in three runs, while Taylor Mesna went 2-for-2 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Mackenzie Reinert added two hits, and Ellie Kucera and Skylar Voran each drove in a run.
Emma Willesden earned the complete-game win in the circle, striking out nine while allowing six runs on 12 hits.
Sterling recorded 12 hits in the game, highlighted by a four-RBI performance from Maria Casillas, but Southwestern's offensive output proved enough to hold on for the win.
