No. 15 Warriors Finish Opening Weekend with Two More Wins

SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – No. 15 Midland University wrapped up its opening weekend with a pair of victories inside the American State Bank Dome on Saturday. The Warriors rallied to defeat (RV) Saint Xavier University, 7-6, before cruising past MidAmerica Nazarene University, 11-1, in five innings.

GAME ONE: Midland 7, Saint Xavier 6

In their first game of the day, the Warriors fell behind early, surrendering four runs in the first two innings before their offense came alive.

In the bottom of the second, Midland loaded the bases with three consecutive singles by Isabelle Pagan, Matti Reiling, and Emma Hodnet. Jenna Lemley drove in the first run with a single, while Ariyana Crafton drew a bases-loaded walk to cut the deficit in half. Reese Floro followed with a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing in a third run.

Midland took its first lead in the fourth inning. Kamdyn Barrientos delivered a clutch two-out single to left-center, scoring Alyssa Husing (pinch-running for Jayci Reimers) and Floro.

Saint Xavier responded in the sixth, reclaiming the lead with a two-out, two-run triple. However, the Warriors answered in the bottom half as Alexis Shepherd launched a two-run homer over the left-field fence, scoring Floro and putting Midland ahead for good.

Mackenzie Groninga started in the circle for Midland, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing four runs on five hits. Chloe Wagner earned the win in relief, tossing 3.2 innings while allowing two runs on three hits.

Statistical Standouts

• Reese Floro: 2-for-3, 2 R, RBI, SAC
• Alexis Shepherd: 3-for-4, R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
• Kamdyn Barrientos: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
• Matti Reiling: 3-for-3, R
• Emma Hodnet: 1-for-2, RBI, SAC
• Jenna Lemley: 1-for-2, RBI

GAME TWO: Midland 11, MidAmerica Nazarene 1 (5 inn.)

The Warriors dominated the weekend finale, scoring in every inning of their run-rule victory over MidAmerica Nazarene.

In the first, Alexis Shepherd continued her strong start to the season with a solo home run.

An inning later, Reese Floro singled to center to drive in Jenna Lemley, and Ariyana Crafton scored on a fielding error to make it 3-0.

Midland broke the game open in the third. Emma Hodnet's single brought home Isabelle Pagan, who had reached via a hit-by-pitch. Kylie Phillips followed with a fielder's choice RBI, scoring Matti Reiling, who had laid down a bunt single earlier in the inning. Floro capped the frame with an RBI single to bring in Hodnet.

The Warriors tacked on four more runs in the fourth. Sophie De Rouin, pinch-running for Kamryn Barrientos, stole third and scored on a throwing error. Isabelle Pagan, who had walked, advanced to second on the play and later scored on an RBI single by Reiling. After a single by Madison Grant, Claire Wisnieski doubled to drive in another run. Crafton added a sacrifice fly to extend the lead to 10-0.

In the fifth, Chloe Wagner singled to center to plate De Rouin for Midland's final run. MidAmerica Nazarene managed a lone run in the bottom half, scoring on a groundout after a leadoff triple.

Paeton Coler earned the win, pitching 4.1 innings with five strikeouts while allowing just two hits. Hannah Allen recorded the final two outs, striking out one.

Statistical Standouts

• Reese Floro: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB
• Alexis Shepherd: 1-for3, R, RBI, HR, SB
• Sophie De Rouin: 2 R, 2 SB
• Matti Reiling: 2-for-3, 2 R, RBI
• Emma Hodnet: 1-for-2, R, RBI
• Jenna Lemley: 2-for-2, R

Midland (4-0) hits the road next weekend for its first outdoor action of the season in Kansas City, Kansas. The Warriors will face No. 18 Benedictine (0-0) and Saint Mary (2-0) on Saturday, followed by No. 24 Baker (2-2) and Columbia (2-0) on Sunday at the Homefield Complex.