Buffington complete-game effort spurs Mustangs

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Two more victories against North Star Athletic Association competition Saturday, Feb. 19, rounded out Morningside University's opening weekend of the 2022 season.

Head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's Mustangs departed Presentation College's Dome with a 4-0 record after dispatching Dakota St. 7-2 and Mayville State 9-1 in five innings. The highlight of the afternoon proved to be another pitching gem, this time from the arm of freshman Grace Buffington. The Gretna, Neb., native stymied MSC to the tune of a run on four hits while striking out seven. She and senior staff mate Katherine Wurtz increased the needle on their season marks to 2-0, as Wurtz fired four innings at DSC with four Ks. 

On the offensive side of the ledger, it was more extra-base magic for Jones-Sitzmann's crew. Senior infielder Lexie Stolen (Sioux City, Iowa) clouted a pair of doubles and drove in two runs in game one. Fellow senior infielder Bre Tjebben (Fort Dodge, Iowa) had a similar stat line and threw in three runs scored in the nightcap. 

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' No. 20-ranked squad is scheduled to resume its 2022 non-conference slate traveling to the Show-Me State and the Sunflower State for doubleheaders against Avila College Saturday, Feb. 26, and Benedictine University Sunday, Feb. 27.