Mustangs run win streak to eight, climb into GPAC top three

SIOUX CENTER, IOWA – A crucial set of clashes against Siouxland area foes began on a high note Thursday, April 21.

Junior infielder Sydney Petersen (Omaha, Neb.) belted a solo home run in the top of ninth in game two, bringing head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's squad back from a 1-0 deficit to a 2-1 victory. Dordt University starter Hailey Wilken was challenging for the visitors, holding them hitless until the fifth and scoreless into the seventh. Senior infielder Lexie Stolen (Sioux City, Iowa) squared things at 1-1 with a sacrifice fly, setting up Petersen's heroics.

Game one was also close-knit throughout. Senior outfielder Ellie Cropley (Sioux City, Iowa) produced two hits, one a double, and scored a run to lead the way. Morningside (24-12 overall, 10-6 GPAC) opened up a 3-0 lead as senior circle star Katherine Wurtz (Omaha, Neb.) added six innings to her scoreless streak before the Defenders pieced together three hits for a run in their final at-bat. Freshman Grace Buffington (Gretna, Neb.), a stalwart during both games, locked down the home side without further damage in the seventh for a save and then came back in the nightcap for a nine-inning complete-game decision. 

The Mustangs, zipping up to third on the league standings, look to compile more triumphs to their current eight-game win streak Saturday, April 25. Game time at Northwestern College's softball diamond is 1 p.m.