Game 1: Stars 1, Vikings 2
Stephens College fell in a tight 2-1 game to Missouri Valley on Wednesday afternoon, with a late rally coming up just short.
Missouri Valley struck first in the opening inning, using a leadoff walk and an RBI single to take an early 1-0 lead. Stephens pitcher Katie Dennis settled in after that, keeping the Stars within striking distance and working through several key moments with runners on base.
Dennis threw a complete game in the circle, allowing just two runs on eight hits while recording four strikeouts. She limited Missouri Valley's opportunities throughout the middle innings, including a strong effort in the fifth to keep the deficit at one.
At the plate, Stephens collected five hits on the day. Kyndal Vincent led the offense, going 2-for-3 and providing energy late in the game. Addison Flores and Leanna Mitts each contributed hits, with Mitts driving in the Stars' lone run.
Missouri Valley added an insurance run in the top of the seventh on a solo home run, making it 2-0 heading into the final frame.
Stephens made things interesting in the bottom of the seventh. Vincent singled to spark the rally, and AJ Thurston drew a walk to put two runners on. Kendall Rhorer delivered a pinch-hit single to load the bases, and Mitts followed with an RBI single to score Vincent and cut the lead to 2-1. The Stars threatened, but Missouri Valley was able to close it out before the tying run could cross.
Stephens showed a strong late push but ultimately came up just short in the one-run game.
Game Two: Stars 10, Vikings 0
Stephens College bounced back in a big way on Tuesday afternoon, cruising to a 10-0 win over Missouri Valley in five innings to split the doubleheader.
After a scoreless first inning, Stephens broke through in the second with a three-run frame. Kennedi Gibbons got the scoring started with an RBI single, and Celeste Athon followed with a two-RBI triple to give the Stars an early 3-0 advantage.
The offense exploded in the third inning, as Stephens plated six more runs to take full control of the game. Abby Schmidt and Leanna Mitts each delivered RBI singles, Athon added another run-scoring hit, and Kyndal Vincent capped the inning with a bases-clearing double to stretch the lead to 9-0.
Stephens added one more in the fourth when Landry Bales launched a solo home run, extending the lead to 10-0.
The Stars were dominant at the plate, finishing with 11 hits. Bales led the way with a multi-hit performance including her home run, while Schmidt and Athon also had strong outings. Vincent drove in three runs, and multiple players contributed to the balanced offensive effort.
In the circle, Claire Mohan-Ram earned the win with four shutout innings, allowing just two hits while keeping Missouri Valley off the scoreboard. Mylee Hawkins closed out the game with a clean fifth inning to secure the shutout.
Stephens controlled the game from start to finish, using timely hitting and solid pitching to secure the run-rule victory.
