Softball splits in Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. -- The Mount Mercy softball team headed south to warmer weather over the weekend, splitting four games at the Friends Softball Invitational. The Mustangs defeated Mount Marty, 3-0, and Concordia (Neb.), 6-5 (8 inn.), while falling to Midland, 2-0, and Saint Mary (Neb.), 10-1.

Friday's opener saw Mount Mercy avenge a 4-0 loss to Mount Marty a week earlier at the Ambrose Dome. Jayna Witzany tossed a no-hitter with 13 strikeouts and run-scoring doubles by Rylee Goodfellow and Makenna Moenk and an RBI single from Jade Sharp provided the Mustangs with all the offense they needed.

Kalli Minger held Midland to four hits while striking out seven, but two of those were solo home runs as the Warriors defeated the Mustangs, 2-0. Goodfellow, Michelle Mack, Raquel Trolliet, and Sam Lee had Mount Mercy's four hits in the loss.

The Mustangs took a 4-0 lead in Saturday's opener against Concordia, but the Bulldogs came back to force extra innings where Lee's two-run homer in the top of the eighth proved to be the game-winner. Minger, who surrendered three hits and an unearned run in two innings, got the win in relief of Witzany, who struck out nine while allowing three earned runs on five hits in six innings.

Saint Mary tallied 11 hits off Mustang pitching in their Saturday finale, which ended after six innings. Sharp went 2-for-3 and Trolliet drove in a run for Mount Mercy (6-8).

The return of winter weather may alter Mount Mercy's schedule this week. The Mustangs are scheduled to host Graceland and Peru State in their Heart of America Athletic Conference openers this weekend, with first pitch at 1:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday at Busse Field.