Mustangs’ Bats Shine in Opener, Come Up Short in Nightcap

CANTON, Mo. — Mount Mercy University (15-21, 10-8) experienced a mix of fortunes in a doubleheader against Culver-Stockton College (22-20, 9-11) on Sunday at Himsl Field. The Mustangs secured a decisive 9–0 victory in the first game but fell short in a close 7–6 contest in the second.

GAME ONE

Mount Mercy's offense was highlighted by a five-run fifth inning, contributing to its 10-hit performance. The game opened with three scoreless innings before the Mustangs ignited their offense in the fourth inning. Calli Janik hit a home run to right center, and Ashley Smith scored on a fielding error, bringing the score to 2–0 after four innings.

In the fifth inning, the Mustangs expanded their lead significantly. Kennedy Daugherty's double was followed by a run-scoring double from Jade Hynek. Additional runs were driven in by Janik and Abbey Smith, with Ab. Smith's single adding two more unearned runs, solidifying a 7–0 lead through five innings.

The sixth inning saw continued momentum as Hynek scored on a wild pitch, and Lucee Howe later crossed home plate on an RBI single by Ab. Smith, concluding the inning with Mount Mercy leading 9–0.

The Wildcats were unable to score across the six innings, leaving the Mustangs with a shutout victory. Hynek led the offense with three hits, including a double, while scoring two runs and stealing two bases. Janik contributed significantly with a home run, adding two RBIs and scoring twice. Ab. Smith tallied three hits and drove in three runs.

Samantha Vetter and Aleki Ulu led the offensive effort for the Wildcats, each posting two hits in their game appearance. Ulu also showcased her speed with a stolen base. On the mound, Cabria Childers pitched four innings, allowing six hits and three earned runs, while recording one strikeout. Sophie Stuart pitched two innings in relief, conceding four hits and four earned runs, with three wild pitches.

Webb delivered a standout performance for the Mustangs, pitching a complete game over six innings without allowing a run, walking none, and striking out nine to earn her sixth win of the season.

In contrast, the Wildcats' Childers took the loss after conceding three earned runs on six hits across four innings while striking out one. Stuart relieved Childers, pitching two innings but allowed four earned runs on four hits, with three wild pitches contributing to the scoring. Webb's control and effectiveness were crucial in securing the victory for the Mustangs.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy began with early momentum as Kendra Mescher scored on a single by Ashley Smith, aided by a throwing error, to take a 1–0 lead in the first inning. The Wildcats responded in the second inning with a two-RBI double from Sophie Meyer, giving them a 2–1 advantage.

Culver-Stockton extended its lead in the third inning with three more runs, including Aleki Ulu's two-RBI single and a triple by Lauren Ferguson, contributing to a 5–1 scoreline. However, the Mustangs surged back in the fourth inning, scoring five runs.

As. Smith and Abbey Smith set the stage with singles, while Raegan Ware's RBI fielder's choice, a sacrifice fly by Kennedy Daugherty, and a key two-RBI double by Calli Janik highlighted the inning, evening the score at 6–5 in favor of Mount Mercy.

The Wildcats tied the game in the sixth inning with an RBI triple by Kataleena Hunt, making it 6–6. The game remained tied until the ninth inning when Hunt homered to right field, securing a 7–6 victory for the Wildcats.

Janik contributed significantly with two RBIs, including a double. Jade Hynek recorded two hits and added an RBI while crossing the plate once. As. Smith matched Hynek with two hits and also scored a run. Daugherty executed a sacrifice fly, driving in one run and adding a stolen base to her performance.

Hunt showcased her power hitting with a home run and two RBIs, while Ulu also had a productive day at the plate, driving in two runs to complement her two hits. Cabria Childers displayed strong pitching, completing a full game while allowing only one earned run over nine innings. Ferguson scored twice and delivered three hits, including a triple.

Culver-Stockton's Childers delivered a complete-game performance, pitching nine innings with just one earned run allowed on seven hits, earning the win.

For the Mustangs, Ashley Webb pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing one run on one hit, and was charged with the loss. Ava Hahn also contributed with three innings, conceding one earned run on four hits. Maggie McNally started for Mount Mercy and pitched 2 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits.

Mount Mercy's record now stands at 15-21 and 10-8 in conference play, while the Wildcats improved to 22-20 with a 9-11 mark in conference action.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will face Missouri Baptist on Friday, April 17 at 2 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.