The Briar Cliff softball team opened conference play this Friday afternoon, dropping a pair of conference contests to the Morningside Mustangs.
Game 1 L 1–0
BCU came up just short in the first contest, falling 1–0 on a walk-off play in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Both teams showcased strong pitching performances throughout the game, keeping the contest scoreless into the final inning. Morningside capitalized on a late opportunity, using a Charger error to bring home the game-winning run.
Aubrey White turned in a solid outing in the circle for Briar Cliff, tossing 6.1 innings while allowing just one unearned run on four hits. She struck out three and walked five.
Offensively, the Chargers were limited but found some success on the base paths.
Lauryn Mattox led the team with a 2-for-3 performance at the plate, while the Cliff added pressure with three stolen bases.
Game 2 L 9–4
In game two, the Briar Cliff fell behind early as Morningside started strong to secure a 9–4 victory.
The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead in the first inning, plating four runs on a series of extra-base hits and timely singles. Morningside extended its advantage in the third with another four-run frame.
Briar Cliff responded offensively but was unable to fully close the gap.
Leah Montes led the Chargers with two RBIs from the ninth spot in the lineup, while
Elizabeth Austin recorded two hits at the top of the order. The Chargers also turned a double play defensively.
Mattox took the loss in the circle, working 1.2 innings, while Morningside's Biddlecome earned the win after allowing three runs over four innings.
Briar Cliff returns to action Saturday, March 21, as the Chargers host Concordia in their next GPAC match-up. First pitch is set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
