Holm’s Hot Shooting Leads Warriors into Win Column

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University welcomed Mount Marty University on Wednesday as they continued Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) play at the Wikert Event Center. The Warriors secured their first win of the season, defeating the Lancers 80-68 behind a standout performance from freshman Grace Holm, who scored 21 points and shot 7-for-10 from three-point range.

"They came out here and shot the ball really well, especially Grace—she's probably still making a shot somewhere," said head coach Chris Burks.

The Warriors came out strong, with a Leah Redding steal and layup igniting an 8-0 run to open the game. Mount Marty battled back, but Holm's hot hand was evident early as she sank back-to-back three-pointers, giving Midland a 17-8 lead midway through the first quarter.

Midland continued to hit shots, but Mount Marty stayed within striking distance. A jumper from Kaela Martinez at the buzzer cut the Warriors' lead to 26-20 at the end of the first quarter.

The Lancers opened the second quarter with a 7-3 run, trimming Midland's lead to two after a three-pointer from Signe Bang. Jenna Weber responded with a three of her own, but both teams went cold for nearly four minutes, with only a jumper by Zoey Sims breaking the drought. In the final moments of the half, Ellie Bovaird's layup sent Midland into the locker room with a 36-31 advantage.

Holm stayed red-hot in the third quarter, hitting a three-pointer early and going a perfect 4-for-4 from deep in the period. Despite her shooting, Mount Marty rallied with an 11-4 run to take their first lead, 48-47, with four minutes remaining in the quarter. However, consecutive threes by Weber and Holm regained the lead for Midland. Holm added two more treys, and Erin Foxhall converted four free throws to push the Warriors ahead 60-52 heading into the final quarter.

The teams traded baskets early in the fourth before the Lancers cut the lead to three on a free throw with six and a half minutes left. Midland responded with a three-pointer from Holm and three points from Redding, extending the lead back to nine with three and a half minutes to play. The Warriors sealed the win by converting free throws down the stretch.

As a team, Midland shot 42.9% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range. The Warriors outrebounded the Lancers 45-35 and scored nine second-chance points to Mount Marty's seven. The Lancers shot 39.7% from the floor but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 3 of 28 attempts.

"That's just part of our culture," said Burks. "We make sure we're in the right spots defensively, and when we're in the right spots, typically we're going to be in the right spot to rebound as well."

Holm led the Warriors with 21 points, going 7-for-10 from the field in just 25 minutes. Weber added 18 points on 3-for-4 shooting from deep and grabbed eight rebounds in 37 minutes.

"We're trying to capitalize on the win tonight," added Burks. "All the hard work they've put in came to fruition, and we'll be ready for our next opponent."

Midland (1-4, 1-1 GPAC) continues GPAC play on Saturday, traveling to Orange City, Iowa, to face No. 21-ranked Northwestern (3-2, 1-1 GPAC). Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. inside the Bultman Center.