Conway, AR - Stephens dropped the opening game before responding with a shutout victory in the second game of the doubleheader against Central Baptist on Friday in Conway, Arkansas.
Game One – Stars 0, Mustangs 7
Central Baptist used a big first inning to take control early and went on to defeat Stephens 7-0. The Mustangs scored five runs in the bottom of the first, highlighted by a two-run double and a two-run home run, putting the Stars in an early hole.
Stephens was limited offensively, finishing with three hits on the day. Addison Flores, Elise Kendrick, and AJ Thurston each recorded a hit for the Stars. Despite a few baserunners, Stephens was unable to generate momentum at the plate.
Katie Dennis started in the circle and took the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) over four innings. Claire Mohan-Ram added two innings in relief. Central Baptist added single runs in the fourth and sixth innings to extend the lead and secure the shutout.
Game Two – Stars 1, Mustangs 0
Stephens bounced back in game two with a 1-0 win behind a complete-game performance from Elise Kendrick. Kendrick held Central Baptist scoreless across seven innings, allowing six hits while striking out four.
The Stars scored the game's only run in the top of the first inning. Kyndal Vincent led off with a single, stole second, and came around to score on an RBI single from Landry Bales to give Stephens an early advantage.
Stephens totaled seven hits in the game, with Vincent leading the way with a 3-for-3 performance at the top of the lineup. The Stars also created pressure on the bases with multiple stolen bases and backed Kendrick with strong defense, turning two double plays to preserve the shutout victory.
Stephens moves to 9-25 on the season with the split.
