Mustangs Fall in Pair of Games to Open the Season

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — Mount Mercy University faced two tough opponents at the ASB Dome, falling 2-1 to Northwestern and 4-0 to Midland on Friday.

In their opener against Northwestern (1-0), Mount Mercy (0-1) managed six hits with their lone run coming in the fifth inning. The game started with both teams showcasing strong defense, logging hits but keeping the score at a standstill through the first two innings. Mount Mercy broke the deadlock in the fifth when Mia Petersen singled to center and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Jade Hynek. Kendra Mescher then brought Petersen home with a single to right. However, Northwestern quickly responded with a two-run rally in their half of the fifth, highlighted by Ava Gross's single that allowed two runs—one unearned—to score, giving Northwestern a 2-1 lead that they held onto for the victory.

Raegan Ware contributed a double for Mount Mercy, finishing with an OPS of 1.000. Mescher added an RBI and a hit, also achieving an OPS of 1.000. Ashley Webb pitched a complete game, striking out six and allowing just one earned run over six innings. Lilly Wuethrich made her presence felt with a hit and two assists from first base.

For Northwestern, Gross led with two hits and an RBI, boasting an OPS of 1.333. Tatum Schmalbec secured a save with a 0.50 WHIP over two innings while also contributing a hit and a walk for an OPS of 1.167. Allison Koontz notched the win as a pitcher with a 1.00 WHIP over five innings, and Myla Murphy showcased her versatility with a hit, a run, and a stolen base, finishing with an OPS of 1.000.

In their second game against Midland (1-0), Mount Mercy (0-2) struggled offensively, managing only one hit and striking out 10 times against Midland's strong pitching. Midland jumped to an early lead in the first inning, capitalizing on two hit-by-pitches and a groundout RBI from Morgan Zach, followed by a hit-by-pitch RBI from Morgan Vonk, making it 2-0. The Mustangs failed to respond in the bottom half, leaving the score unchanged.

Midland increased their lead to 3-0 in the third when Alex Shepherd doubled and scored on an error. Despite holding firm defensively, the Mustangs' offense remained quiet. Midland added another run in the fifth as Zach scored on a wild pitch, extending their lead to 4-0. Mount Mercy had chances, including a walk by Addi Petersen and a fielder's choice that advanced Kennedy Daugherty to third, but could not convert these into runs.

Abbey Smith recorded the Mustangs' only hit along with a stolen base. Maggie McNally pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four earned runs while striking out one batter and recording five assists. Addie Gralund provided 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, striking out one and walking just one.

Caitlin Petrick delivered an impressive performance for Midland, pitching a complete game shutout, allowing just one hit over seven innings while striking out 10 batters and maintaining a WHIP of 0.86. Shepherd contributed offensively with one run scored and a double, achieving an OPS of 1.167, while Sabrina Rouin showcased her speed on the bases with two stolen bases.

Mount Mercy stands at 0-2 overall following these matches, while Midland holds a 1-0 record. The Mustangs will next face Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 9 a.m. in Sioux Center, Iowa.