Morgan Newport and the 2020 Northwestern Wildcats

Right now, collegiate softball players should be looking back at a fun season, with seniors feeling bittersweet about the season and their college careers ending. Instead, their season was halted at the midpoint leaving everyone disappointed and missing softball. One of those seniors is Northwestern pitcher-utility player Morgan Newport.

I have had the pleasure of watching Morgan up close for her entire career with the Wildcats. An excellent two-way layer, Morgan has been a star on the mound and at the plate.

Over her four seasons, she was 21-15 with an ERA of 3.37. Offensively, in 158 games, she hit .272 with 7 HRs, 55 RBIs and 45 runs scored. She was off to a great start in 2020, with 2 HRs and 14 RBIs in just 22 games.

A Biological Sciences major, Morgan will do awesome things in life. She will go on to a successful career. Morgan is a smart and personable young lady. She has a fantastic attitude on and off the field.

Morgan was great with the fans and always willing to talk a little softball with me as I covered the team. I really appreciate Morgan for her kindness and consideration over the last four seasons. I am sad that I won't get the chance to thank her in person. Maybe I'll get to see her again if she comes back to any NU games. Good luck to Morgan as she makes her way in the world. 

In the grand scheme, missing some softball isn't a huge deal, but right now, it the unexpected loss of softball stings. I'm sure it hurts the players more than the fans, but we all are missing the fun at the ball park.

I hope things are settled enough for Fall Ball in September. Check NUSports.com for updates and news on the Wildcats.

Morgan Newport and me in Evanston, IL-May 2019.

Morgan Newport and the 2018 Northwestern Wildcats

The Northwestern Wildcats Women's Softball team will be in back action this weekend. You can find my story about the Cats on the Patch at Northwestern Wildcats Returning Home.

The Wildcats are 23-13 on the season. Unfortunately, they are only 6-5 in Big Ten Conference play. There are still 16 games remaining, including a four game home stretch starting this Friday. The Cats host the Ohio State Buckeyes for 3 games, then enjoy an off day, before finishing this homestand against Green Bay.

One of the big reasons for the success of the Cats this season is sophomore pitcher Morgan Newport. She is 10-5 with a 3.87 ERA. She has 5 complete games in 12 starts. She has 46 strikeouts in 72 1/3 inning pitched. Morgan has certainly blossomed in her second season of collegiate play.

As a freshman, Morgan appeared in 33 games. She started 5 games, relieved in 22 and was the Designated Player in 5 games. She went 7-6 with 3 saves and a 3.85 ERA.

In high school, Morgan was a star on the mound and at bat. She never hit below .411 and also pitched a no-hitter, among her other accomplishments. She also played many years of club softball. Clearly she had the resume and now she is starting to show real star power in her second season with the Cats.

One of the coolest parts of following Northwestern softball is watching the development of the players. Morgan will get several more opportunities this season and I'll be watching closely.

You can go to NUSports.com to learn more about Morgan and her teammates. You can also check here for recurring coverage of Team Purple.

Morgan Newport and me in Evanston, IL-Spring 2017.