Harrel's triple closes out pair of wins over UNK, Cottey

BRANSON, Mo. — The Morningside softball team won two more non-conference games Tuesday at the Turf's Up Classic, claiming both of their victories by two runs.

Morningside defeated NCAA Division II Nebraska-Kearney 6-4, then defeated Cottey 5-3 in the nightcap.

Morningside 6, UNK 4

After the Lopers scored in the first inning, the Mustangs responded with a four-run third inning. Paige Schuster drove in two with a double t hat scored Jalyn Noelle and Kennedy Wineland. Lainie Keller and Ellie Gengler also drove in runs that inning.

Wineland also had an RBI single during the fourth, and she later scored on an RBI single from Noelle.

Jenna Skradski had a double in Game 1.

Morgan Secora earned the win, allowing four runs on seven hits. She struck out two. Jordan Skradski picked up the save, needing 10 pitches to get through the seventh.

Morningside 5, Cottey 3

The Mustangs wasted little time, scoring twice in the first. After Wineland reached, Schuster drove her in with an RBI triple. Then, Josie Hernandez scored Schuster with an RBI groundout. Hernandez later doubled.

Mackenzi Harrel scored three teammates with a triple in the fourth inning, giving the Mustangs the lead.

Adeline Fliege got the win in relief, pitching the final four innings. She struck out two, and allowed two hits. Of the 43 pitches she threw, 31 were strikes.

Bralen Biddlecome started the game, throwing three innings. She allowed two earned runs on five hits.