Game One

Mount Marty Falls in Pitching Duel Against Morningside

YANKTON, S.D. – The Mount Marty Lancers put together a strong defensive effort but couldn't generate enough offense to overcome Morningside, falling 3-1 in a tightly contested matchup.

Morningside took an early lead in the second inning, capitalizing on a defensive miscue and a sacrifice fly to go up 2-0. They tacked on another run in the fourth on an RBI single, extending their lead to 3-0.

Mount Marty answered in the bottom of the fourth. Kayleen Jacinto got the rally started with a leadoff double. Moments later, Jayden Simpkins came through with a clutch RBI single to center field, scoring Jacinto to bring the Lancers within two at 3-1.

Despite a strong complete-game performance from McKenzie Gray, who struck out six and allowed only two earned runs over seven innings, Mount Marty struggled to generate further offense against Morningside pitcher Morgan Secora, who held the Lancers to just four hits in the game.

Game Two

Mount Marty Drops High-Scoring Battle Against Morningside, 10-7

YANKTON, S.D. – The Mount Marty Lancers jumped out to an early lead but couldn't hold off a late offensive surge from Morningside, falling 10-7 in a high-scoring contest.

The Lancers started hot, putting up four runs in the first inning, highlighted by a two-run double from Kayleen Jacinto, an RBI double from Janeah Castro, and an RBI double from Alyssa Sosky. Mount Marty added two more in the second, with Jacinto driving in another run on a triple, followed by Castro reaching on an error that allowed Jacinto to score.

Morningside battled back with a two-run fourth inning, then erupted for six runs in the fifth to take an 8-6 lead. The Mustangs capitalized on timely hitting and a pair of Mount Marty defensive miscues to flip the momentum.

The Lancers cut the deficit to 8-7 in the bottom of the fifth, when Jayden Simpkins scored on an error. However, Morningside answered right back with two more runs in the sixth, sealing the game.

Despite the loss, Jacinto led the Lancer offense, going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple, and three RBIs. Ella Ray also had a multi-hit game, scoring twice.

Pitching Notes:

• Jacey Hayen took the loss, allowing five runs (four earned) over four innings.
• Makayla Graunke pitched the final three innings, giving up five runs (four earned) while striking out four.