Mustangs split conference opener with Bulldogs

SEWARD, Neb. – Kicking-off conference play on the road Saturday, Morningside softball dropped the opener 2-1 before winning the second game 3-1 against Concordia in Seward, Nebraska.

While Morningside struck first, Concordia got the final blow in game one. Kennedee Jones reached on an error with the bases loaded in the third inning. Mykel Ann Gray scored on the play.

In the bottom of the sixth, the Bulldogs scored two runs to take the 2-1 lead. Ellie Gengler walked in the top of the seventh to bring the leading run to the plate, but the Mustangs were unable to convert.

Sydney Petersen tallied two hits to lead the Mustangs in game one. Grace Buffington tallied six innings pitched, striking out two.

Morningside's offense was more effective in game two, scoring three runs in a 3-1 win.

Jones doubled home Morgan Nixon in the top of the second to get the ball rolling. Katie Murphy hit a sacrifice fly to score Jones and the Mustangs led 2-0. 

Concordia cut Morningside's lead in half in the fourth, making it 2-1. Taylor Richter singled home Liz Hammer, in to run for Jones, in the sixth to make it 3-1.

Morgan Secora earned the first win of her Mustang career with six innings of work, striking out three. Grace Buffington pitched the final inning to earn a save. 

Richter tallied three hits in game two, driving in one. Jones added two doubles and an RBI. 

The Mustangs have the next week off, as their next time on the field is Saturday, April 1 against College of Saint Mary at Jensen Softball Complex. The doubleheader is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.