Warriors Fall Short Against UHSP in Home Opener

FREMONT, Neb. – In a nail-biting home opener, Midland University faced off against the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (UHSP) on Sunday afternoon. The Eutectics, who scored the first two goals of the contest, held on for the narrow 5-4 win over the Warriors at Heedum Field in Fremont.

UHSP seized control early in the game, netting a pair of goals in the opening quarter. Midland responded in the second quarter when Madigan Marusiak connected with Ryland Nelson, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Chloe Harrison added another goal for the Warriors just before the midpoint of the quarter, with Hallie Gehring providing the assist at 7:47.

The Eutectics managed to extend their lead before the intermission, capitalizing on a penalty situation as they scored with 2:50 left on the clock while Midland served a yellow card. UHSP held a 4-2 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter saw a resilient Midland squad making a comeback. Madilynn Edwards found the back of the net in the opening minute, narrowing the gap. Shay Peterson then equalized with a goal off an assist from Jewell Milliman with just under 10 minutes remaining in the quarter. However, UHSP responded swiftly, regaining the lead at 5-4 with 8:04 left in the third.

Despite a flurry of shots from both sides, neither team managed to score in the final quarter. The Eutectics clung to their one-goal lead, securing a hard-fought 5-4 victory.

UHSP dominated in shots, outshooting Midland 28 to 19, while both teams committed an equal number of turnovers with 26 each.

Madigan Marusiak led the Warriors with five shots, four on goal, while Ryland Nelson had four shots. Kayla Bailey picked up seven saves in goal but was dealt the loss.

Midland (0-2) will have another opportunity to net its first win of the season later this week. The Warriors will host the University of Northwestern (Minn.) on Thursday. Game time is set for 1:00 p.m. on the turf at Heedum Field.