Warriors Stifle Waldorf in Dominant Second Half

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University took the court once again for a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup inside the Wikert Event Center. A strong defensive effort in the second half propelled the Warriors to a convincing 75-46 victory over Waldorf, as they held the visitors to just 17 points after halftime.

The game was tightly contested early on. Jenna Weber knocked down a three-pointer to give Midland a two-point lead, but Waldorf quickly responded with a layup to tie the game at 9-9 just three minutes in. Weber added three more points before Erin Foxhall contributed five to push Midland ahead. However, two three-pointers from Waldorf's Brooke Dial kept things close with 3:45 remaining in the opening quarter. A three-pointer from Sarah Shepard and a layup by Leah Redding helped Midland close the first period with a 22-17 advantage.

Dial opened the second quarter with a layup to pull Waldorf within two, but Shepard answered with three layups, and Foxhall knocked down a jumper to extend the Warriors' lead. Midland entered halftime with a 35-29 edge.

Waldorf scored first in the third quarter but struggled offensively as Midland's defense held them without a field goal for nearly five minutes. During that span, the Warriors went on a 7-0 run to push their lead to 11. Midland continued to control the game, getting five straight points from Weber, a three-pointer from Grace Holm, and a jumper from KD-Anna Petersen. Heading into the fourth, Midland led 52-37.

The Warriors put the game out of reach early in the final period, as Holm sank three three-pointers in the first three minutes to extend the lead to 24. Waldorf's offensive struggles continued, as they managed just one made basket in the final seven minutes. Midland's lockdown defense sealed the 75-46 victory.

Midland shot 46.9% (30-of-64) from the field while holding Waldorf to just 30.2% (19-of-63). The Warriors had a clear edge from beyond the arc, hitting 10-of-25 (40%) compared to Waldorf's 3-of-22 (13.6%). Free-throw opportunities were limited, but Midland converted all five of its attempts, while Waldorf went 5-of-9 (55.6%).

Weber led the way for Midland with 19 points and recorded a team-high 12 rebounds. Holm provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, while Redding and Ellie Bovaird each dished out four assists.

Midland (4-22, 4-16 GPAC) will play its final home game of the season on Wednesday, hosting Hastings (20-6, 15-5 GPAC) on Senior Night. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center.