Mustangs Open Florida Trip with Doubleheader Sweep Over Conquistadors

WESTON, Fla. — Mount Mercy University Mustangs (3-3) secured two close victories over Florida National University Conquistadors (2-6) on Friday at Vista Park, edging out a 4-3 win in the first game and clinching a 4-2 win in the second.

GAME ONE

In the first game, the Mustangs found their rhythm in the third inning, scoring all four of their runs, while pitcher Ashley Webb limited Florida National to just four hits over the complete seven innings. Florida National took an early lead in the first inning with two runs, thanks to a double to center field by Kyra Rigozzi, bringing in two RBIs.

Mount Mercy answered back in the third inning. Kennedy Daugherty got things rolling with a bunt single and scored on a single by Ashley Smith. Consecutive singles by Abbey Smith, Calli Janik, and Lilly Wuethrich brought in more runs, and an error allowed a fourth unearned run to cross the plate, giving the Mustangs a 4-2 lead after the third.

Florida National trimmed the lead with a solo home run by Rigozzi in the fourth inning, but the Mustangs' defense held strong. The final innings saw Mount Mercy retire the Conquistadors without allowing any more runs, sealing the win at 4-3.

Webb pitched a complete game, going seven innings, striking out four, and allowing three earned runs. As. Smith was notable on offense with two hits and an RBI, scoring once. Mia Petersen anchored the defense with four assists in the infield. Daugherty added a stolen base to her performance, going 1-for-3 with a run scored.

For the Conquistadors, Rigozzi shone with three RBIs and a home run, also adding a double, scoring a run with an impressive OPS of 2.667. Sophia White pitched the complete game for Florida National, allowing eight hits and striking out three, with no walks and a WHIP of 1.14. Isabella Silva contributed two hits in three at-bats, scoring a run and posting an OPS of 1.333.

Webb's control was crucial, yielding only one walk with a WHIP of 0.71, while White's strong control yielded no walks in a 92-pitch effort. However, it was Webb's ability to limit baserunners that played a decisive role in the Mustangs' victory.

GAME TWO

In the second game, the Mustangs jumped out to an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning, and kept the Conquistadors at bay with solid pitching, allowing just seven hits. Ashley Smith set the tone for Mount Mercy in the first, singling to the pitcher and eventually scoring on Calli Janik's double. Janik's hit paved the way for Raegan Ware to drive her home with a single, giving Mount Mercy a 2-0 advantage.

Florida National answered with a run in the bottom half, closing the first inning at 2-1. In the third inning, Mount Mercy extended their lead. Janik drew a walk and advanced on a single by Megan Harrison. A passed ball allowed Janik to score, pushing the lead to 3-1. The Mustangs' defense then kept Florida National scoreless, holding the 3-1 lead after three innings.

Mount Mercy furthered their advantage in the fifth. Abbey Smith singled and stole second, setting up Ware's RBI single that brought Ab. Smith home, making it 4-1. Florida National couldn't capitalize in their half, and the score remained 4-1 after five. The Conquistadors attempted a comeback in the seventh. A few singles and a fielder's choice resulted in one run, but Mount Mercy's defense clamped down, preserving the 4-2 victory.

As. Smith contributed one hit and a run in the second game. Ab. Smith was impressive with two hits and a stolen base. Janik tallied a double, finishing with one hit, two runs, and an RBI. Ware was vital, recording two hits and two RBIs.

For the Conquistadors, Alyssa Julien stood out with three hits and an RBI, boasting an OPS of 1.500. Sophia White added a hit, an RBI, and a walk, achieving an OPS of .833.

On the mound for Florida National, Brunella Beteta appeared twice, pitching four innings with a WHIP of 1.00, allowing just one earned run and striking out two. Kyra Rigozzi showed patience with a walk and an intentional walk, adding a hit for an OPS of .833 and chipped in defensively with two assists.

Ava Hahn led Mount Mercy's pitching effort in the second game, delivering three innings with three hits and one earned run, earning the win. Addie Gralund was also crucial, pitching 3 1/3 innings with three hits, one earned run, and three strikeouts, maintaining a 1.29 WHIP. Maggie McNally recorded the save, pitching 2/3 scoreless innings despite a hit and a hit batsman.

For Florida National, Brylea Rusler took the loss, allowing six hits and three runs over three innings. Beteta pitched four effective innings, yielding four hits and one earned run, striking out two with no walks, for a 1.00 WHIP.

Mount Mercy now stands at 3-3 for the season, while Florida National is 2-6. The Mustangs will next hit the road to take on Keiser University on Saturday, Feb. 14, at noon in West Palm Beach, Florida.