WICHITA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons split a pair of games with the (RV) Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles in KCAC action today (Mar. 18) at Two Rivers Youth Complex. The Falcons edged the Eagles 3-2 in the first game before falling 7-1 in the second tilt.
Oklahoma Wesleyan took an early lead in the first inning of the opener when Kami Withem homered to left field.
The Falcons responded in the fourth inning behind a solo homer by
Peyton Ganger to tie the game.
Cambell Riordan then singled, advanced on a wild pitch, and scored on an error, putting the Falcons ahead 2–1.
In the sixth inning, Ganger reached on an error and later scored on an
Ezra Arredondo double to extend the lead to 3–1.
Oklahoma Wesleyan didn't go quietly in the seventh as Abby Huie singled and advanced on a wild pitch, then scored on a single by Withem. However Arredondo came on in relief of
Jenna Ormiston and got a fly out to strand two runners and close out the victory and pick up the save.
Ganger led the Falcons with a home run and two runs scored. Arredondo contributed a double and an RBI, adding to the offensive output. Ormiston pitched effectively, securing the win with 6 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out four. Riordan added to the team's effort with a hit and a run scored.
Withem recorded two hits, including the home run, and two RBIs for OKWU. Bailey Gustus also contributed two hits for the Eagles. On the mound, Gabby Simpson pitched 5 1/3 innings, striking out two batters and allowing three runs.
In the nightcap, the Falcons took an early lead in the second inning when
Izzy Jones singled to center field and later scored on an error by the shortstop, giving them a 1–0 advantage.
In the third inning, Oklahoma Wesleyan responded when Gracie Jones delivered a two-RBI single to right field, allowing Raegan Rector and Huie to score and make it 2-1.
Oklahoma Wesleyan extended its lead in the fifth inning. A wild pitch brought home pinch runner Adrya Olivarez and that was followed by Withem crossing home plate on a single to pitcher by Maria Fory to increase the margin to 4–1.
The sixth inning saw Oklahoma Wesleyan widen the gap further. Withem drove in a run with a single, and Fory tripled to center field, scoring another, bringing the score to 7–1.
Mekenzi Humphers had one hit and a stolen base and Riordan added a double for the Falcons (11-12, 1-3 KCAC).
Tamara Lozoya also recorded a double and Jones led the team with two hits, scoring one run and securing a stolen base.
Arredondo started in the circle and lasted four innings with two earned runs allowed.
Fory recorded three hits and drove in two runs for the Eagles (16-6, 1-1 KCACO, while Withem had two hits and two runs scored.
Yina Vargas pitched six innings and allowed no earned runs with five strikeouts to earn the win.
The Falcons will next be at Bethany College for a 1 pm first pitch Saturday (Mar. 21) in Lindsborg, Kan.
