Morningside forges split in GPAC-KCAC twinbill

ATCHISON, KS. – The torrid batting pace of Morningside University infielder Morgan Nixon continued Sunday, Feb. 27.

The returning National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-American third baseman drilled a pivotal grand slam in game one and came back with three RBI due to a double and home run in the nightcap, leading the No. 20-ranked Mustangs in a doubleheader split at Benedictine College. The Omaha, Neb., native has safely hit in each of Mside's six contests with three multiple-hit and multiple-RBI outings.

Head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's squad got the afternoon at the Asher Sports Complex off to a fast start. With Nixon's fourth-inning grand slam bringing Mside back from an early 1-0 deficit, it was more than offensive back-up for senior pitcher Kat Wurtz (Omaha, Neb.). Improving to 3-0, she struck out seven and surrendered only five hits to spotlight a 6-1 victory. Game two saw the visitors take a 1-0 edge in their first at-bat with an RBI double from Nixon. However, it would be their final lead of the afternoon, as the Ravens bounced back with eight runs in the bottom of second en route to a 10-3 decision. Sophomore pitcher Mia Barozzo (Santa Paula, Calif.) did produce five strikeouts in four innings of work.

Morningside (5-1) opens its 2022 spring break games in Gulf Shores, Ala., Friday, March 4.