Softball vs Morningside Recap

Briar Cliff Softball on offense, scoring runs for the team.
Photo by Adrian Cancino Orozco

The rivalry between Briar Cliff University and Morningside University returned to the spotlight on Friday, as the two Sioux City programs met in a doubleheader that once again showcased the intensity, emotion, and competitiveness that defines this matchup.

Originally scheduled for Wednesday, the games were postponed to Friday, but the delay did nothing to diminish the energy surrounding the rivalry. With both teams eager to make a statement, the Chargers entered the day focused on balancing emotion with execution.

In the days leading up to the matchup, Briar Cliff head coach Jessica Eadus emphasized the importance of staying composed while embracing the moment.

“We have been working on staying consistent with our energy, enjoying the moment, and celebrating the little things,” Eadus said prior to Friday’s games. “If we can stay focused, control our emotions, and not let the game get too big, I think we can achieve great things.”

Eadus also pointed to the personality of her team as a source of confidence heading into the rivalry.

“Our team has a lot of fun and can get rowdy—they have a swag about them and I love that,” she said. “We have to continue to compete and stay scrappy, and I think we will catch some teams off guard.”

With a strong crowd expected, Eadus highlighted the role that atmosphere plays in games like this, while also stressing the need for discipline.

“Playing in front of crowds is everything for student-athletes,” she said. “It brings another level of excitement to the game, which any athlete can get caught up in. We will have to remind them to stay within themselves and control what they can control.”

When it came to determining the outcome, Eadus made it clear that consistency at the plate would be critical.

“If we can hit and hit consistently, start from inning one and not later in the game, I think we have a great shot at winning some games,” she said.

When play finally began on Friday, the rivalry lived up to expectations. The first game was a tightly contested battle, with Morningside edging out Briar Cliff in a 1-0 decision. Both teams showcased strong defensive performances, but a single run proved to be the difference in a game defined by precision and limited opportunities.

In the second game, Morningside was able to generate more offensive momentum, pulling away for a 9-4 victory. Despite the result, Briar Cliff continued to compete and showed flashes of the energy and resilience that Eadus had emphasized leading up to the matchup.

Following the games, senior Kenadee Loew reflected on the team’s mindset moving forward and what will be necessary to respond.

“It’ll be crucial to learn from mistakes and communicate better as a team,” Loew said.

While Friday’s results favored the Mustangs, the rivalry between Briar Cliff and Morningside remains as competitive as ever. With lessons to build on and opportunities ahead, the Chargers will look to turn those takeaways into growth as they prepare for the next chapter of the season.