Warriors Stifled by Missouri Baptist in KCAC Action

FREMONT, Neb. – In a matchup that saw early promise for both sides, Midland University found itself outpaced by Missouri Baptist University on Friday at home. The Warriors fell to the Spartans by a score of 15-3 in a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) matchup at Heedum Field.

The scoring commenced with a swift strike from Missouri Baptist, who found the net just before the midway mark of the opening quarter. Midland's Joshua Pereira responded with a game-tying goal off an assist from Leland Thiel, knotting the score at 1-1 with 7:04 remaining in the quarter.

However, the Spartans swiftly seized control, embarking on a decisive offensive surge that saw them tally three unanswered goals in the first quarter. Their momentum carried into the second stanza, as they notched back-to-back scores early on, extending their lead to 5-1.

Midland's Gavin Bartling managed to halt the streak, carving out an unassisted goal with 12:19 left in the half. Nevertheless, Missouri Baptist remained undeterred, tacking on three more goals before the halftime whistle, establishing a 9-2 advantage at the break.

As the second half commenced, Pereira injected a glimmer of hope for the Warriors, striking for his second goal of the contest off an assist from Michael Roman in the opening minutes. Unfortunately for Midland, this would be their final contribution to the scoreboard, as Missouri Baptist's staunch defense stifled any further chances.

On the offensive front, the Spartans continued to assert their dominance, adding six more goals to their tally, sealing the convincing 15-3 triumph.

Shots were fairly even in the game with Midland putting up 40 shots and Missouri Baptist tallying 48. Midland had the edge in face-offs, winning 18 of the 22 midfield battles. Shots on goal were in favor of the Spartans with 32 on frame while the Warriors had just 16 reach the final line of defense.

Wyatt Dudziak picked up 17 saves in the loss while his counterparts had 13.

Midland (1-8, 1-1 KCAC) will look for a resurgence next weekend when it travels to face Ottawa (3-6, 1-1 KCAC) in another conference tilt. The Warriors and Braves will take the turf at AdventHealth Field at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 in Ottawa, Kansas.