COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Stephens College softball team dropped both games of a rescheduled doubleheader against Clarke (Iowa) on Saturday at American Legion Field, falling 12-6 in Game 1 and 11-9 in Game 2. Fifth-year senior Ivy Smart made history despite the setbacks, launching two home runs to claim the program's career home run record with 10.

Game 1: Clarke 12, Stephens 6

Stephens (5-9) found itself in an early hole as Clarke (5-3) plated five runs in the first two innings. The Stars responded in the bottom of the second when Celeste Athon crushed a three-run homer, cutting the deficit to 3-5.

Clarke continued to apply pressure, tacking on four more runs in the fifth. However, Smart delivered in the bottom half, blasting a towering three-run shot over the left-field fence to bring Stephens within four at 10-6. The Pride added two insurance runs in the final two frames, while the Stars were unable to mount another rally.

Elise Kendrick took the loss in the circle, allowing nine earned runs over five innings. G. Adams pitched two innings in relief, surrendering two runs.

Game 2: Clarke 11, Stephens 9

Game 2 featured an offensive showcase, with Stephens nearly pulling off a comeback after trailing by as many as six runs. Clarke built a 0-6 lead before the Stars stormed back in the third, thanks to another grand slam from Smart, who sent a no-doubter over the center-field fence to cut the deficit to 4-6.

The teams traded runs in the later innings, with Clarke launching a two-run homer in the fifth. Stephens made a late push in the seventh, as Landry Bales roped a two-run single to score Katie Dennis and Smart. 

Jordan Watkins followed with an RBI single to bring the Stars within two, but the rally ended with the tying run stranded on base.

Smart's grand slam and two-homer day solidified her place in the record books, while Kendrick continued to make history. In Wednesday's win over Graceland, Kendrick surpassed the program's career runs batted in mark, now holding the record with 61 RBIs. Smart sits just behind with 58.

The Stars (5-9) will look to rebound in their next contest on Monday, March 17th, with rescheduled games against Missouri Valley College. The first pitch is scheduled for 3 pm in Marshall, Mo.