Morningside reaches double-digit victory mark

LINDSTROMBORG, KS. – An offensive machine that has cranked out 10-or-more hits in six of its last eight contests continued to be well-oiled Saturday, March 19.

Morningside University pieced together a pair of nine-run outings guiding head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's squad to a sweep of its Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference host. An eight-run rally over the fifth and sixth frames led the Mustangs to a 9-7 victory, while a five-run fourth and three-run seventh were enough to ensure a 9-4 win in the nightcap.

Junior infielder Sydney Petersen (Omaha, Neb.) and senior infielder Morgan Nixon (Omaha, Neb.) bashed home runs in the opener. It was more of the same in game two with senior infielder Lexie Stolen (Sioux City, Iowa) ripping a three-bagger, and Nixon, senior outfielder Ellie Cropley (Sioux City, Iowa), junior catcher Katie Murphy (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and junior infielder Taylor Richter (Rock Valley, Iowa) each registering doubles.

Freshman pitcher Grace Buffington (Gretna, Neb.) earned both wins in the circle. She was called from the bullpen in the opener and fired two innings of no-hit ball at the Swedes to aid in the Mustangs' rally. Buffington was just as impressive in the nightcap, striking out seven to compile a complete-game victory.

Morningside (11-5) resumes its weekend Sunflower State trip Sunday, March 20. First pitch at Kansas Wesleyan University is 11 a.m.