Mustangs Stumble in Two-Game Road Slate Against Crusaders, Saints

DAVENPORT, Iowa - Mount Mercy University faced a tough challenge against Madonna University, falling 9-1 in a neutral-site showdown on Saturday, and then continued to struggle against Aquinas College (MI) on Sunday, dropping that game 8-3. With these losses, the Mustangs currently sit at 4-8, while Madonna and Aquinas improve to 8-0 and 5-1, respectively.

GAME ONE

In the game against Madonna, the Mustangs managed just three hits, with their lone run coming in the opening inning. Mount Mercy got off to a promising start as Ashley Smith walked, swiped second base, and was driven home by Abbey Smith's RBI single, giving the Mustangs an early edge. However, Madonna quickly responded, leveling the score 1-1 with a groundout RBI in their half of the first inning.

The second inning saw Mount Mercy unable to capitalize on a walk by Jade Hynek, while the Crusaders surged ahead with two runs, courtesy of a triple by Faith Peschke and a single by Ashley Rosiewicz, bringing the score to 3-1.

The third inning showcased Ab. Smith's patience with a walk and another stolen base, but the Mustangs couldn't bring her home. Madonna widened their lead with three more runs, highlighted by a two-run homer from Olivia Salinas, setting the score at 6-1 by the end of the third.

The fourth and fifth innings were quiet, with no scoring from either side. The Mustangs managed a single from Raegan Ware in the fourth but left runners stranded in both frames, maintaining the 6-1 scoreline. In the sixth inning, despite Lilly Wuethrich reaching base on a walk and an error, the Mustangs couldn't break through. Madonna added three insurance runs, sealing the deal at 9-1.

Ab. Smith stood out for Mount Mercy with two hits, an RBI, and two stolen bases. Ashley Webb pitched a complete game, notching four strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings, though she endured a challenging outing, allowing 13 hits and 9 earned runs. For the Crusaders, Faith Cramton's three RBIs were crucial, along with strong performances from Brynn Anteau and Olivia Salinas.

GAME TWO

In game two, the Mustangs couldn't secure a win against Aquinas College, falling 8-3 in their second game. Despite tallying 10 hits, including three doubles and a triple, the Mustangs were outpaced by Aquinas' 13-hit performance.

Mount Mercy faced a tough match from the start. In the second inning, Jade Hynek tripled, setting the stage for Mia Petersen's RBI double, narrowing the score to 2-1 in Aquinas' favor. The Mustangs added another run in the fifth. McKenzie Kissell, running for Megan Harrison, advanced to third on a single by Fiona McLeod and scored on a hit by Calli Janik, adjusting the score to 8-2.

In the seventh inning, Mount Mercy pushed one more across with Addi Petersen's single and Haley Wildes' double, finalizing the game at 8-3.

Wildes shone with a double and an RBI, finishing with an impressive 3.000 OPS as a pinch hitter. Janik contributed two hits, including a double, driving in a run for a 1.250 OPS. Hynek's triple brought in a run, boasting a 1.333 OPS. M. Petersen added a double and an RBI, maintaining a 1.000 OPS.

For Aquinas, Jadalyn Lopez delivered a flawless 4-for-4 performance with two doubles, two RBIs, and a stolen base. McKenna Hinkle excelled with three hits and two stolen bases, achieving a 1.500 OPS. On the mound, Ada Bradford pitched effectively, allowing just one earned run over four innings.

Mount Mercy's Maggie McNally pitched three innings, allowing five earned runs, while Addie Gralund also pitched three innings, surrendering three earned runs. The Mustangs now hold an overall record of 4-8.

Up next, Mount Mercy will face Madonna University again on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 1 p.m. and St. Ambrose at 5:30 p.m. in Davenport, Iowa.