Barwick, Hernandez drive in runs in season finale

Photo Courtesy: Laura Bardi/University of Sciences and Arts of Oklahoma

CHICKASHA, Okla. — Morningside's softball season came to an end Tuesday with an 11-3 loss to second-seeded LSU Alexandria during the NAIA Opening Round.

The Mustangs (31-20) got on the board first, as Josie Hernandez scored Amber Dougherty in the first inning, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead.

LSU Alexandria scored six consecutive runs, but the Mustangs tried to chip away at the deficit. Emma Barwick drove in two with a fly ball down the right field line, scoring two runs during the sixth inning. Ashlyn Caniglia and Ali Fletcher came in from second and third base to score on Barwick's batted ball.

Dougherty reached base twice, both thanks to walks, while Mackenzi Harrel recorded two hits.

Morgan Secora threw 104 pitches in the finale, and she struck out two General hitters.

Morningside ends the season with making the national tournament for the 16th time in program history, and for the second straight season. The Mustangs were solid again at home, going 10-2. They had two ranked wins against then-No. 24 Midland, and played No. 2 Oklahoma City really tough early in the season.

The Mustangs on the season hit .314 with 244 RBIs. They were also 82-for-96 on the basepaths in stolen base attempts. They were second in the GPAC forcing 165 walks.

In the circle, Morningside had the third-lowest ERA at 3.14, and allowed the third-fewest earned runs (150).

Morningside had seven seniors on its roster: Jalyn Noelle, Lainie Keller, Secora, Jenna Skradski, Jordan Skradski, Bralen Biddlecome, and Barwick.