Warriors Score Season’s First Win at Saint Mary

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – Playing with a young and limited roster, Midland University opened up conference play on Sunday at the University of Saint Mary. The Warriors gritted their way to a 12-6 win over the Spires as they opened play in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).

Saint Mary took the early lead, scoring in the first five minutes. Midland responded as Carson Meier scored with just under 10 minutes to go in the opening period. After a second goal from the Spires, Joshua Pereira pulled the Warriors back even off an assist from Meier. As the opening quarter came to a close, USM netted a goal in the final minute and held a 3-2 lead.

In the second quarter, Midland pulled even twice as the teams continued to exchange scores. Gavin Bartling scored to make it 3-3 and then Meier scored his second goal to pull the game to a 4-4 tie with just under seven minutes before halftime.

Before the intermission came, the Warriors scored a pair of goals to take the lead. First, it was Meier scoring with 3:28 to go and then Pereira found the back of the net with 1:47 left. Midland led 6-4 at the break.

The third quarter was controlled by the Warriors as Leland Thiel scored twice, the first was assisted by Brian Cole. Meier completed his hat trick with a goal in the quarter as well, putting Midland firmly in control 9-4.

Meier and Pereira each scored to begin the fourth, Pereira's completed a hat trick for the fifth-year senior and put MU up 11-4. After a goal from the Spires, Pereira scored his fourth of the game. Saint Mary capped off the game's scoring with one last goal and Midland sealed its first win of the season, 12-6.

For the game, the Warriors and Spires split the face-offs 10 to 10. The shots were similarly close with USM holding a narrow 43 to 39 edge while MU had a 34 to 30 lead in ground balls.

Caron Meier led the way with 5 goals on 15 shots while Joshua Pereira scored 4 goals on 7 shots. Wyatt Dudziak earned the win in goal with 14 saves on the day.

Midland (1-6) will look to build upon its win as it hosts No. 4 William Penn (7-1) this coming week. The Warriors will welcome the Statesmen to Heedum Field on Thursday, March 21. Faceoff is set for 4:00 p.m. in Fremont, Nebraska.