COLUMBIA, Mo. – Under sunny blue skies, Stephens College swept a doubleheader against Graceland on Wednesday, securing a 5-4 victory in Game 1 before rolling to an 8-2 win in Game 2 at American Legion Field.
Game 1: Stephens 5, Graceland 4
The Stars (5-7) rode a dominant performance from Elise Kendrick in the circle, as the Columbia native tossed a complete game, allowing just two earned runs while scattering nine hits.
Graceland (7-16) jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first two innings. The Yellowjackets took advantage of a defensive miscue to go up 1-0 in the first before a two-run double in the second extended the lead to 3-0.
Stephens responded in the third. With a runner on third, Emma Angel laced an RBI single up the middle to put the Stars on the board. Moments later, Ivy Smart drove in a run with a groundout before Katie Dennis lined a single to center, tying the game at 3-3.
After Graceland briefly regained the lead in the fourth, Stephens answered. Celeste Athon executed a sacrifice groundout to plate Kyndal Vincent, leveling the score at 4-4.
Angel delivered again with a go-ahead RBI single, giving the Stars a 5-4 lead they would not relinquish. Kendrick retired the final six batters she faced to seal the win.
Game 2: Stephens 8, Graceland 2
The Stars carried their momentum into the second game, using a balanced offensive attack to pull away late. Dennis picked up the win, tossing six innings and striking out four, while Greenlee Adams pitched a scoreless seventh in relief.
After falling behind 1-0 in the second, Stephens responded immediately. Landry Bales launched a two-run homer over the left-field fence, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead.
Graceland briefly tied the game in the third, but Stephens took control in the fourth. With the bases loaded, Kendrick lifted a sacrifice fly to put the Stars ahead. Moments later, Smart ripped a two-run double to the gap, extending the lead to 5-2.
The Stars put the game out of reach in the fifth. Jackie Guerrero singled home a run before Athon and Angel capitalized on a Graceland error, pushing the lead to 8-2.
Stephens (5-7) looks to continue its winning streak on Saturday, March 15, when it hosts Clarke University at American Legion Field. The first pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
