Branson, MO - Stephens opened play at the AMC Tournament with a 7-4 loss to Williams Baptist on Tuesday morning in Branson.
The Stars came out aggressive, putting together a three-run first inning to take the early lead. Kyndal Vincent reached to start the game, and after a bunt from Mylee Hawkins created pressure, Elise Kendrick delivered a two-run triple down the left field line. Addison Flores followed with an RBI single to give Stephens a 3-0 advantage.
Williams Baptist answered in the bottom half of the inning and added another run in the second to even the score at 3-3. The game remained tight through the middle innings, with both teams held scoreless in the third and fourth.
The Eagles broke through in the fifth to take their first lead of the game, then added three more runs in the sixth to extend the margin to 7-3. Stephens was limited offensively during that stretch, managing just a few base runners as Williams Baptist controlled the late innings.
Stephens pushed one final run across in the seventh on a solo home run from Celeste Athon, but the comeback attempt fell short.
Kendrick led the offense with two hits and two RBIs, including a double and triple, while Athon added a pair of hits and the late home run. Flores also contributed an RBI, and Vincent reached base twice to help set the tone early. Stephens finished with seven hits in the game.
Katie Dennis took the loss in the circle, with Kendrick providing relief.
Stephens will return to action tonight against the loser of the Mission and Central Baptist game. A win would move the Stars on to day two of the AMC Tournament.
