Mustangs Drop a Pair of Losses to Undefeated Bobcats

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Mount Mercy University (4-6) faced St. Thomas University (8-0) in a doubleheader on Monday at Col. Jacquelin Kelly Stadium, resulting in two tough losses: 7-1 in the first game and 10-0 in the second.

GAME ONE

In the first game, St. Thomas took control with a dominant four-run fourth inning, while the Mustangs struggled with just three hits and three errors. The game kicked off with a scoreless first inning, as Mount Mercy's Ashley Smith reached third before the side retired. St. Thomas broke the ice in the second when Kiara Selby hit an RBI single to bring Gianella Gomez home, putting the Bobcats up 1-0.

The fourth inning was pivotal for the Bobcats. Bre'Asia Thomas scored on a dropped fly ball, followed by a three-run homer from Mya Achenbach, extending the lead to 5-0. The Mustangs' defensive woes contributed to the Bobcats' scoring spree, and Mount Mercy couldn't find their footing offensively.

In the fifth, St. Thomas added two more runs, capitalizing on a muffed throw, making it 7-0. The Mustangs finally got on the board in the sixth when Ashley Smith reached third and scored on a fielding error by the center fielder, cutting the deficit to 7-1. That would be the only run for Mount Mercy as the score held through the seventh.

As. Smith led the Mustangs with two hits and scored a run, posting an OPS of 1.333. Abbey Smith added a hit and a sacrifice bunt, finishing with an OPS of 1.000. Calli Janik was solid defensively, with two assists and two caught stealers. Ashley Webb pitched 3 1/3 innings, allowing six hits and striking out three on 57 pitches.

For the Bobcats, Achenbach was a standout, driving in three runs with her homer and achieving an OPS of 1.750. On the mound, Melody Vizcaino delivered a stellar complete game, allowing only three hits and striking out six over seven innings, with an impressive WHIP of 0.57. Thomas added to the effort with two runs scored and a stolen base, finishing with an OPS of 1.333. Selby contributed with a hit, a walk, and an RBI, achieving an OPS of 1.167.

Webb took the loss for Mount Mercy, pitching 3 1/3 innings, giving up six hits and five runs, four earned, and striking out three. Ava Hahn provided 2 2/3 innings in relief, allowing five hits and two runs, with two strikeouts. The difference in pitching performances was stark, with Vizcaino's dominance sealing the win for the Bobcats.

GAME TWO

In the second game, Mount Mercy struggled to find their footing against the relentless Bobcats. In the first inning, Ashley Smith and Abbey Smith drew walks, putting two runners on base, but the Mustangs couldn't convert, leaving the score at 0-0. St. Thomas quickly took control with three runs, thanks to a two-RBI single from Bailey LeGere, jumping ahead 3-0.

The second inning offered another opportunity for Mount Mercy when Kennedy Daugherty reached on an error, but the team again failed to score. The Bobcats extended their lead with another run, making it 4-0 through a string of singles. St. Thomas widened the gap in the third inning. Mya Achenbach tripled and scored on a throwing error, contributing to a two-run inning and a 6-0 lead.

In the fourth inning, Mia Petersen singled for Mount Mercy, but they couldn't bring her home. The Bobcats capitalized with a four-run surge, including a grand slam by Emma Edwards, pushing the tally to 10-0. During the fifth, Addi Petersen entered as a pinch hitter, singled, and advanced on a wild pitch, but was left stranded. The game concluded with St. Thomas securing a commanding 10-0 victory.

A. Petersen made an impact with a hit in her sole at-bat, and Mia Petersen went 1-for-2, securing one of the team's rare hits. On the mound, Maggie McNally faced 20 batters, throwing 71 pitches with 41 strikes, but allowed five earned runs over three innings. Addie Gralund relieved, pitching one inning and conceding four runs, including a home run.

St. Thomas showcased standout performances from key players. Achenbach was impressive with three runs and a triple, boasting an OPS of 3.000. LeGere made a significant impact, scoring twice, driving in three runs, and stealing a base, with an OPS of 2.000. Edwards was pivotal with a home run and four RBIs, maintaining an OPS of 1.667.

Contributions continued with Jade Fayad securing two hits in three at-bats, and Sydnee Fordham adding a run and a hit.

Mount Mercy's pitching was led by McNally, who allowed six runs on seven hits with two walks over three innings. Gralund pitched an inning, giving up four runs on three hits, including a homer, with one walk.

For the Bobcats, Johana Magaldi delivered a strong performance, pitching 4 1/3 scoreless innings, striking out four while allowing only two hits and four walks. Magaldi's ability to keep the Mustangs off the board was crucial.

Mount Mercy will next face Madonna on Saturday, Feb. 21 in Davenport, Iowa, with a game time set for 10:45 a.m, followed by Aquinas at 5:30 p.m.