Close-knit victories push win string to four

CRETE, NEB. – Morningside University's pitching tandem of senior Katherine Wurtz (Omaha, Neb.) and freshman Grace Buffington (Gretna, Neb.) guided Morningside University to Great Plains Athletic Conference road success Friday, April 15. 

Wurtz, wrapping up a sparkling week where she surrendered only one run in 16 innings of work, locked up host Doane University on one hit with six strikeouts scattered during her 11^th complete game of the season and ninth 2022 victory. Buffington was just as impressive in the nightcap. She held the Tigers to only one hit and one earned run while striking out two. Improving to 11-4, Buffington retired the final 14 home batters in a row. 

On the offensive side of the coin, head coach Jessica Jones-Sitzmann's squad had several stars. In game one, senior shortstop Lexie Stolen (Sioux City, Iowa) belted a solo home run, her sixth of the year and 36^th of her career, and senior catcher Mykel Ann Gray (Ames, Iowa) collected two hits, including a double, and drove in a run. In game two, senior outfielder Ellie Cropley (Sioux City, Iowa) and junior second baseman Sydney Petersen (Omaha, Neb.) drove in a run apiece.

Morningside moved to 20-12 overall and 8-6 in the GPAC with the 2-0, 2-1 sweep. The program reached the 20-win mark for the 29^th time in the last 30 seasons. The Mustangs return to action Monday, April 18, hosting Dakota State University in a non-conference doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. at Jensen Family Softball Complex.