Mustangs Drop Opener, Respond with Strong Finish to Split

PARKVILLE, Mo. — Mount Mercy University (8-16, 3-3) and Park University (13-11, 2-4) faced off in a doubleheader on Saturday, resulting in a tough loss for the Mustangs in game one, followed by a hard-fought victory in game two.

GAME ONE

Mount Mercy came up just short against Park with a close 3-2 loss. The game was a nail-biter, with Mount Mercy falling in a tight contest. In the opening inning, Park jumped ahead as Faith Tessman singled and scored on Chloe Gilbert's RBI hit. Emma Reed followed by scoring on a single from Bella Rollo, pushing Park to a 2-0 lead. Park widened the gap in the second inning when Tessman tripled and came home on a dropped fly ball, making the score 3-0.

The Mustangs showed their resilience in the sixth inning. Abbey Smith walked and scored on a single by Jade Hynek, who drove in Fionna McLeod. Ashley Smith kept the momentum going with an RBI single that brought in McLeod, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Despite a determined effort in the seventh inning, the Mustangs couldn't alter the scoreboard, concluding the game with the Pirates edging out the Mustangs, 3-2.

Ashley Smith spearheaded the offense with two hits and an RBI, making a significant impact on the scoring. Hynek contributed with a hit and an RBI of her own. On the mound, Ashley Webb showcased her skills with a complete game, yielding two earned runs over six innings and striking out four.

Faith Tessman shone for Park, achieving a perfect on-base percentage and scoring twice, including a triple, resulting in an impressive OPS of 2.000. Hanna Vaught pitched a stellar complete game, going seven innings without allowing an earned run and striking out five, playing a key role in the team's defense.

Gilbert added to the effort with an RBI hit and reached on a hit by pitch, rounding out an OPS of 1.167. Bayli Middleton was rock-solid at shortstop, with five assists highlighting her defensive prowess.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy clinched a hard-fought 5-3 win over Park, staving off a late surge from the home team. The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead in the first. Mia Petersen drew a walk, and Abbey Smith followed with a single, moving Petersen to second. Jade Hynek then delivered a clutch double to right center, driving in Petersen and Smith to put Mount Mercy up 2-0.

The Mustangs added to their advantage in the second inning; Kennedy Daugherty walked, and Raegan Ware singled, putting Daugherty on second. Kendra Mescher laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt to advance both runners, and Petersen grounded out to second, bringing Daugherty home. After two innings, Mount Mercy led 3-0.

The sixth inning saw Mount Mercy capitalize on Park's defensive miscues. Ware reached first on a fielding error, with McKenzie Kissell pinch-running. Mescher singled to advance Kissell. Petersen's single to right center brought Kissell and Mescher home, extending the lead to 5-3 with both runs unearned. Despite a late push from Park, Mount Mercy held firm to seal the 5-3 victory.

Mia Petersen was instrumental, driving in two runs. Jade Hynek shone at the plate with two hits, including a double, and two RBIs. Calli Janik added two hits, ensuring a steady presence on base. Pitcher Maggie McNally threw a complete game, striking out five and securing the win.

For Park, Faith Tessman led with three hits in four at-bats, including a double, driving in a run and scoring once. Bella Rollo showcased her power with a home run and two RBIs, achieving one of the team's highest OPS at 1.833. Emma Reed contributed two hits in four at-bats, with three assists from third base. Gracie Ramsey chipped in with two hits and advanced runners effectively. Myel White pitched 5 2/3 innings, striking out three but allowing eight hits and three earned runs.

Maggie McNally's complete game for the Mustangs featured 7 innings, 5 strikeouts, and only 3 earned runs on 10 hits. For the Pirates, Myel White surrendered 5 runs, including 3 earned, over 8 hits in her 5 2/3 innings, taking the loss. Brielle Dee provided 1 1/3 innings of solid relief, giving up just one hit and one walk without allowing a run. McNally's ability to limit walks, issuing just one, was crucial in Mount Mercy's victory.

Mount Mercy stands at 8-16 overall and 3-3 in conference play, while Park holds a 13-11 overall record with a 2-4 conference tally.

Next, the Mustangs will challenge Peru State on Sunday, March 22, at 1 and 3 p.m. in Peru, Nebraska.