Mustangs Finish Road Trip With Doubleheader Split

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa — Mount Mercy University faced two challenges at the ASB Dome on Saturday, suffering a 7-0 defeat to Dakota Wesleyan University (3-0) before bouncing back with a 10-6 victory over Bellevue University (0-1).

GAME ONE

In the first game against Dakota Wesleyan, the Mustangs (0-3) struggled offensively, managing only four hits against a ten-hit performance by Dakota Wesleyan. The game began with both teams unable to score in the first inning, with Mount Mercy leaving one runner on base. The second inning saw Mia Petersen and Jade Hynek each single, but the Mustangs stranded two runners, failing to capitalize.

The turning point came in the third inning when Dakota Wesleyan's Alyssa Ciurca and Emma Nopola executed a series of base advances, leading to Janae Tebay's home run that drove in four runs for a 4-0 lead. Mount Mercy's attempts to respond fell short, and Dakota Wesleyan added to their lead with an RBI triple by Mackenzie Moore in the fourth and two more runs in the sixth, capitalizing on Mount Mercy's fielding errors. Despite a late error by Dakota Wesleyan, Mount Mercy could not score, ending the game at 7-0.

From the leadoff position, Abbey Smith recorded one hit but struck out twice. Jade Hynek also had one hit, achieving a perfect on-base percentage, while Mia Petersen added one hit in three at-bats. Kendra Mescher was active defensively with three assists but went hitless. Janae Tebay led Dakota Wesleyan with a home run and four RBIs, supported by Lexi Arreola and Alyssa Ciurca, who contributed significantly to the win. Annika Ernsberge pitched five scoreless innings, striking out seven and allowing only three hits.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy turned their fortunes around, clinching a 10-6 victory over Bellevue. The Mustangs capitalized on Bellevue's eight errors, scoring in five innings to secure the win. The game commenced with Mount Mercy taking an early lead in the first inning when Abbey Smith walked, stole second, and scored on Calli Janik's double. Bellevue struggled to respond, remaining scoreless in their half.

Mount Mercy extended their lead in the third inning with a series of plays that brought in three runs, taking the score to 4-0. Bellevue made a comeback, scoring three runs in the bottom of the inning to narrow the gap to 4-3. However, the Mustangs added two more runs in the fifth, and despite Bellevue's efforts to close the gap, Mount Mercy maintained their lead throughout the game, finishing with a final score of 10-6.

Janik was a standout for Mount Mercy, contributing two doubles and driving in two runs, while Ashley Smith scored twice and stole a base. Kendra Mescher also had a strong performance with two hits and two runs scored. On the mound, Maggie McNally pitched four innings, striking out five and allowing three earned runs, while Addie Gralund provided solid relief.

For Bellevue, Marguerite Brown led with a .500 batting average, and Leslie Egan recorded two hits. Despite their efforts, the team struggled defensively, which Mount Mercy capitalized on.

Mount Mercy's record now stands at 1-3, while Dakota Wesleyan improves to 3-0 and Bellevue remains at 0-1. The Mustangs will next face Florida National on Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. in Weston, Florida.