Mustangs Bounce Back to Earn Split with Owls

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Mount Mercy faced off against William Woods (MO) in a doubleheader on Saturday, experiencing a loss in the first game, 11-0, before bouncing back to secure a 2-0 victory in the second.

Game One

In the first game, Mount Mercy struggled offensively, managing only two hits throughout the contest. The Mustangs allowed three runs in the third inning and four runs each in the fourth and seventh innings, while William Woods capitalized on seven walks and six hits to secure the win.

In the third inning, William Woods took a decisive lead. After an initial hit-by-pitch and some strategic base advances, Addie Rhea tripled, bringing in three runs. The inning concluded with the Owls leading 3-0. The fourth inning saw the Owls widen their lead further. Emmy Blevins' single, combined with a throwing error, allowed two runs to score, followed by Ella Aguiar's double, which added two more runs.

By the end of the inning, the score was 7-0 in favor of the Owls. In the seventh inning, the Owls capitalized on the Mustangs' defensive errors, scoring four additional runs. The inning closed with the Owls ahead 11-0, which was the final score of the game.

Abbey Smith recorded one hit for the Mustangs, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. Calli Janik reached base twice with two walks, providing a steady presence at the plate. Lilly Wuethrich added a hit, maintaining momentum in the lineup.

For the Owls, Blevins and Aguiar stood out with their offensive contributions; Blevins recorded two runs, two hits, and two RBIs, while Aguiar tallied two runs, one hit, and two RBIs, including a double. Rhea added depth to the lineup, delivering a triple and driving in three RBIs. On the mound, Taylor Baumhoer dominated with a complete game shutout, striking out six batters over seven innings while allowing just two hits.

Maggie McNally led the Mustangs' pitching efforts with 3 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on two hits while issuing four walks and striking out three, resulting in a loss that brought her season record to 6-8. In relief, Addie Gralund pitched 3 innings, conceding two earned runs on two hits and two walks, while striking out two.

For the Owls, Baumhoer delivered a dominant complete-game performance, pitching 7 scoreless innings with six strikeouts, four walks, and two hits allowed, securing her 11th win of the season.

Game Two

In the second game, Mount Mercy rebounded, securing a 2-0 victory over William Woods. The home team limited William Woods to just one hit while striking out 12 batters. Mount Mercy's scoring began in the first inning, where Kendra Mescher singled and advanced to third on a hit by Calli Janik. Mia Petersen delivered an RBI single, allowing Mescher to score and giving the Mustangs an early lead. The inning concluded with Mount Mercy ahead 1-0.

In the fourth inning, Raegan Ware walked and was replaced by pinch runner Addi Petersen. Kennedy Daugherty's single advanced Petersen, who scored on a throwing error after Jade Hynek reached on a fielder's choice. This unearned run extended the Mustangs' lead. At the end of the fourth, Mount Mercy led 2-0.

The pitching staff, led by Ashley Webb, maintained the shutout by striking out 12 batters and allowing only one hit over seven innings, concluding the game with the Mustangs winning 2-0.

Mescher contributed offensively with one hit and one run scored, also drawing a walk. Mia Petersen added to the scoring with one hit and an RBI. Daugherty recorded two hits and a stolen base, providing solid support in the lineup.

Hailey Robinson stood out for the Owls with a complete game performance on the mound, pitching 6 innings and striking out five batters while allowing only two runs. Addie Rhea made an impact at the plate with a double, contributing one of the team's hits in their recent outing, while Sammy Lohnes showcased her defensive skills by catching one opponent attempting to steal.

Mount Mercy holds an overall record of 17-23 and is 12-10 in conference play, while William Woods (MO) has a record of 19-20, with a 13-11 mark in its conference games.

Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Clarke on Tuesday, April 21, at 1 p.m. in Dubuque, Iowa.