Tough weekend finish greets Mside on return home

SIOUX CITY, IOWA – Freshman Grace Buffington's complete-game gem in game one Saturday, April 9, was the highlight of a four-game home set for Morningside University.

The Gretna, Neb., circle standout locked up crosstown Great Plains Athletic Conference rival Briar Cliff University to the tune of four hits while striking out two as part of a 5-0 Mustangs win. Senior third baseman Morgan Nixon (Omaha, Neb.) homered and drove in two. Senior outfielder Ellie Cropley (Sioux City, Iowa) also drove in two runs in the decision. 

From that point forward, head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's squad was felled in three straight contests. BCU rallied for a 4-3 nightcap victory Saturday despite home runs off the bats of senior utility player Bre Tjebben (Fort Dodge, Iowa) and junior infielder Sydney Petersen (Omaha, Neb.). The following afternoon, a red-hot Mount Marty University crew took the measure of Mside on its Jensen Family Softball Complex diamond. In game one, the Lancers cruised 10-0 and secured a 5-1 game two victory with a three-run seventh. 

Morningside (16-12 overall, 4-6 GPAC) looks to rebound Tuesday, April 12, as Concordia University comes to Sioux City for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.