Salina, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons posted an emphatic sweep of the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes by scores of 8-2 and 7-0 today (Mar. 20) in Salina, Kan.
The Falcons jumped on top in the first inning of both victories, starting with a two-run double by Becca Dunn in the opening tilt.
Sacrifice flies by Jayden Estabrook and Dunn helped the Falcons build a six-run lead before RBI doubles by Cristabelle Alvarado and Eliza Flores put the Coyotes on the board in the fifth.
Undeterred, Estabrook singled in pinch runner Keara Cunningham and Alana Moreno drove in a run on a fielder's choice in the seventh to put things away for the Falcons.
Fallyn Marshall was the sparkplug at the top of the order for Friends, going 4-of-5 from the leadoff spot with a triple and two runs scored. Alex Vick took full advantage of being in the lineup with three hits and a pair of runs scored, with Dunn going 2-of-3 with three runs driven in.
Riley Wertz turned in a dominant outing in the first game for the Falcons, striking out a career-high 13 batters with two runs allowed and just one walk.
Marshall again served as the fuel in the Friends offensive attack in the nightcap, scoring or driving in three of the Falcons' first five runs. The Syracuse, Utah native crossed the plate in the first inning on a single by Priscilla Mora and then in the second on a base hit by Carolyn Dallimore before joining the hit parade with a single to score Vanessa Sigala in the third inning for a 5-0 lead.
Then in the fourth, an RBI double by Estabrook plated pinch runner Angelina Mendoza and a sacrifice fly from Makenna Mitchell finished out the victory for the Falcons.
"It was an all-around team effort today and I'm very proud!" said Friends softball head coach Suzanne Unruh. "Riley, Kierstan and Carol worked the batters really well today as a staff. It kept them off balance and guessing. Our offense strung together multiple base hits and that was great to see!"
Marshall and Dunn each had three hits to lead Friends in the second game, while Sigala scored two runs.
Kierstan Weitze turned in the best outing of her young Falcon career, pitching a one-hit shutout with three strikeouts and no walks.
The Falcons, now 14-10 overall and 4-2 in the KCAC, will next play at Bethany College Saturday (Mar. 23) at 1 pm in Lindsborg, Kan.
