Turnovers Prove Costly as Warriors Fall to Doane

CRETE, Neb. – Despite snowy weather, Midland University was back in action Wednesday, taking on Doane University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup. The Warriors were unable to keep up with the Tigers' offense, falling 83-61.

Doane opened the game with five straight points before Jenna Weber got Midland on the board with a rebound and putback. She followed up with a three-pointer on the next possession to cut the Tigers' lead to one. Doane responded with a 10-1 run before another Weber three made it 16-9. Both teams capitalized on free throw opportunities to close the quarter, with Doane leading 17-11.

The Tigers extended their lead with a jumper to start the second quarter, but Midland answered with eight straight points. Grace Holm knocked down a three before Weber continued her hot start, sinking a jumper and her third three-pointer of the night to tie the game at 19 with about six minutes left in the half. Doane responded with 10 unanswered points to regain control, leading 29-19. The teams traded baskets and free throws before halftime, with the Tigers taking a 35-24 advantage into the locker room.

Both offenses were efficient early in the third quarter. Doane opened with a 6-2 run before three-pointers from Weber, Zoey Sims, and Ellie Bovaird trimmed the Tigers' lead to nine, making it 44-35. The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the period, but Doane closed the quarter with five straight points to extend its lead to 60-44 heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter began with a Doane basket and free throw opportunities for both teams. Holm drained another three, and two free throws from Sims cut the Tigers' lead to 12 with seven minutes remaining. However, Midland was unable to gain any ground down the stretch, as Doane's offense maintained its rhythm and extended the lead for an 83-61 victory.

Weber led the Warriors with 18 points, shooting 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Leah Reding added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Weber also led the team with nine rebounds, while Sarah Shepard contributed six rebounds and three assists.

Midland shot 21-for-53 (39.6%) from the field and 8-for-20 (40%) from three-point range. Doane shot 31-for-69 (44.9%) overall but struggled from deep, going 5-for-19 (26.3%). The Tigers capitalized on turnovers, scoring 21 points off Midland's 23 giveaways, while the Warriors managed just two points off Doane's seven turnovers.

Midland (3-22, 3-16 GPAC) returns home Saturday to host Waldorf (6-18, 4-15 GPAC) inside the Wikert Event Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Fremont, Neb.