No. 22 Warriors Sweep Midweek Matchup at Briar Cliff

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – No. 22-ranked Midland University hit the road for the second time this week, taking on Briar Cliff University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader on Wednesday afternoon. The Warriors came away with a pair of wins, defeating the Chargers 4-0 and 6-3 at Hubbard Park.

GAME ONE: Midland 4, Briar Cliff 0

After three scoreless innings, Midland broke through in the top of the fourth. Matti Reiling led off with a double and scored on a one-out single by Kamdyn Barrientos. Alexis Shepherd added an RBI single later in the inning, driving in Paxton Mitties, who pinch ran for Barrientos. In the fifth, Isabelle Pagan delivered a two-out, two-run single to give the Warriors a 4-0 lead.

Briar Cliff managed seven hits but failed to bring a runner across, stranding multiple baserunners in the fourth and fifth innings.

Campbell Petrick went the distance for her 14th win of the season, striking out five without issuing a walk.

Statistical Standouts

• Reese Floro: 2-for-4, R
• Isabelle Pagan: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
• Kamdyn Barrientos: 1-for-4, RBI
• Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-3, RBI
• Campbell Petrick: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

GAME TWO: Midland 6, Briar Cliff 3

The Chargers opened the scoring in the fourth with a one-out double, followed by a groundout and RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. Midland answered in the fifth, plating three runs to take control. Sophie De Rouin and Ariyana Crafton hit consecutive singles, and Reese Floro followed with an RBI double. A sacrifice fly from Reiling and a single from Pagan made it 3-1.

In the sixth, Midland extended its lead as Jayci Reimers singled and Alexis Shepherd reached on an error. Jenna Lemley's groundout to shortstop brought in Reimers to make it 4-1. Briar Cliff answered with two runs in the bottom of the inning on a one-out double.

The Warriors added two insurance runs in the seventh, capitalizing on a two-out error that allowed Floro and Reiling to score. Groninga retired the Chargers in order in the bottom half to seal the win.

Paeton Coler earned the win in the circle, going 5.1 innings and allowing three runs on six hits. Mackenzie Groninga picked up her second save of the season, recording the final four outs with two strikeouts.

Statistical Standouts

• Reese Floro: 1-for-3, 2 R, RBI, BB, 2B
• Matti Reiling: 2-for-3, R, RBI, SF
• Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-4, RBI
• Jayci Reimers: 2-for-4, R

Midland (32-11, 14-2 GPAC) will now turn its attention to No. 7-ranked Northwestern (35-8, 15-1 GPAC). The two teams will meet in a pivotal Friday doubleheader in Orange City, Iowa, with the top spot in the conference standings on the line. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.