COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Stephens College Stars struggled to find their rhythm on Wednesday, falling in both games of their doubleheader against Southwest Baptist University. They now shift their focus to a pivotal conference showdown on the road against No. 16 Missouri Baptist on Friday, March 28, with first pitch set for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Game 1: Stephens 1, Southwest Baptist 14
Southwest Baptist (14-18) surged ahead early and never looked back, securing a dominant 14-1 victory over Stephens (10-12). The Bearcats opened the scoring with a three-run second inning, highlighted by a two-run double.
Stephens' lone run came in the bottom of the third when Ivy Smart lined a single to left-center, allowing Celeste Athon to score from third.
The Stars' starter Savannah Greathouse (0-1) took the loss, surrendering six earned runs on eight hits over three innings.
Game 2: Stephens 0, Southwest Baptist 11
The Bearcats carried their momentum into the second game, shutting out the Stars 11-0 in five innings. A five-run second inning, fueled by a bases-clearing double, put Southwest Baptist firmly in control.
Stephens was limited to just one hit in the contest, by senior Emma Angel.
Ivy Smart (2-1) took the loss for the Stars, allowing nine runs on ten hits in three innings.
The Stars now prepare for one of their toughest AMC matchups of the season, hitting the road to take on nationally ranked Missouri Baptist in St. Louis.
