St. Louis, Mo. - In their first AMC Conference games of the 2024 season, the Stephens College Softball team traveled to St. Louis to take on the Hornets of Harris-Stowe State University (Mo.). The Stars secured victories in both games, with scores of 10-2 and 22-5, respectively. The run rule brought an early end to both contests after the fifth inning. 

The Stars' offensive power was evident from the start, with Ivy Smart's single setting the tone for the first game's opening score. Despite the Hornets' efforts to respond, the Stars maintained control, bolstered by home runs from Elise Kendrick and Smart in the fourth inning of the first game. 

Kendrick, who also contributed significantly from the pitcher's mound, demonstrated her all-around abilities. In the first game, she allowed zero earned runs over four innings, tallying four strikeouts and no walks. 

The momentum carried into the second game, where the Stars unleashed an impressive offensive onslaught, scoring 15 runs in the second inning alone. With 27 hits, Stephens College showcased its dominance and skill against the Hornets. 

Pitchers Grace Tath and Ivy Smart contributed to the Stars' success, with Tath starting the second game and Smart providing relief in the fourth inning. 

With these wins, the Stars improved their overall record to 9-17 (2-0 AMC), while the Hornets fell to 0-12 overall (0-2 AMC). 

Looking ahead, Stephens College prepares to face the Eutectics of the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis on Sunday, Mar. 24. Game one is set for 1 pm, followed by game two at 3 pm, as the Stars aim to build on their early-season success.