Webb Strikes Out 15 as Mustangs Fall in Doubleheader to Benedictine

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It was a challenging doubleheader for Mount Mercy as they faced off against Benedictine (KS) on Saturday, suffering a 9-1 loss in the first game followed by a narrow 3-2 defeat in the second.

GAME ONE

In the first game, Mount Mercy (9-18, 4-5) struggled offensively, managing just two hits as Benedictine (KS) (21-8, 8-1) showcased their power with two home runs to secure the victory. The Mustangs initially took the lead in the second inning when Jade Hynek singled to left field and scored on a third baseman's error, putting them up 1-0. However, the Ravens responded in the third with a solo homer from Ryan Cooper, leveling the score at 1-1.

The game turned in favor of Benedictine in the fourth inning. Amanda Waymire reached on an error and later scored due to another throwing error, followed by an RBI single from Megan Forsman, giving the Ravens a 3-1 lead after four innings.

They extended their advantage in the fifth, with Rhiannon Martin doubling in a run and Waymire adding another with a single, ending that inning 5-1. The decisive moment came in the sixth when Kaleigh Small delivered a grand slam, finalizing the score at 9-1.

Calli Janik contributed a hit and an assist on defense, while Jade Hynek added a hit, a run, and a stolen base. Ashley Webb pitched a full game for Mount Mercy, striking out 15 batters over six innings. For Benedictine, Kaleigh Small drove in four runs with her grand slam and scored twice, while Ryan Cooper added two runs and a homer. Bailey Selvage pitched a complete game with only two hits allowed, striking out seven and improving to 9-4.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy (9-19, 4-6) faced a nail-biter against Benedictine (22-8, 9-1), ultimately falling 3-2 despite a strong offensive showing with eight hits, including a solo home run. The game started with Benedictine taking the lead in the second inning when Megan Forsman scored on a groundout by Ashley Rindom, making it 1-0. They extended their lead to 2-0 in the third as Rhiannon Martin scored on Forsman's sacrifice fly.

Benedictine capitalized on a defensive lapse in the fifth, allowing Kaleigh Small to score and stretching the lead to 3-0. Mount Mercy rallied in the same inning as Calli Janik hit a solo home run, followed by Ashley Smith doubling, and Jade Hynek's single brought Smith home, closing the gap to 3-2. Both teams were kept scoreless in the sixth and seventh innings, sealing the Ravens' 3-2 victory.

Janik was a standout for the Mustangs, going deep once and tallying three hits, including a double, while driving in a run. Hynek contributed with two hits and an RBI, and Smith added a run and a double. On the mound, Maggie McNally pitched a complete game, striking out six and allowing three earned runs.

For the Ravens, Martin exhibited a stellar on-base percentage with two walks and a hit, while Forsman drove in a run and scored. Lily SinghDhillon started strong with 3 2/3 innings without an earned run, and Bailey Selvage secured the save with a flawless inning.

Next up, the Mustangs will face Baker on Sunday, March 29, at 1 and 3 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.