WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons came back from two runs down in the sixth to win the second game 6-4 after capturing the opening tilt 7-2 over the York University Panthers in KCAC action today (Mar. 30) at Two Rivers Youth Complex.
With the nightcap even at 2-2, the Panthers broke the tie in the sixth behind an RBI single by Sofia Perez and an RBI double from pinch-hitter Kayla Noelker.
Undeterred, Carolyn Dallimore delivered a bases-clearing double to put the Falcons on top. Dallimore then scored an insurance run on a single by Becca Dunn.
It was the second time that the Falcons came back from a two-run deficit in the game, as Laila Spracklen hit a two-run single in the bottom of the first.
Fallyn Marshall and Dallimore each had a pair of hits in the first two spots of the order to fuel the Falcons' offensive attack in the second game. It was a bunt single by Marshall that loaded the bases in the sixth and set the stage for Dallimore's clutch hit.
Laila Spracklen was the Falcons' second game starter and went 5.1 innings, allowing four runs and striking out two. Isabelle Schwien then came on and pitched 1.2 shutout frames and also fanned two batters to earn the win.
The Falcons had a little easier time in the opening game, taking an early lead when Dunn doubled home two runs in a three-run first frame.
After a double by Kennedie Anderson scored Breanna Underwood in the third to put York on the board, Riley Wertz stole home on a double steal with Vanessa Sigala to cap a two-run fifth inning and increase the lead to four runs.
An RBI double by Dallimore in the sixth then finished another two-run inning for the Falcons to put it away.
Wertz was solid in the circle for Friends, going five innings and giving up just one run with five strikeouts in a winning effort. Kierstan Weitze then came on and allowed one run during the final two innings to close out the victory for the Falcons.
Dunn had two hits for the Falcons (19-13, 7-5 KCAC), with Anderson also recording a pair of hits for York (5-23, 3-9 KCAC) in the first game.
In the field, Priscilla Mora shined in coming up with diving catches in foul territory and shallow left field while also making a catch on the warning track and delivering solid throws to the infield to prevent runners from advancing.
The Falcons will next host the University of Saint Mary on Wednesday (Apr. 3) at 3 pm.
