Warriors’ Run Ends in ACHA Semifinals with Loss to Liberty

ST. LOUIS – No. 4 Midland University saw its season come to an end Thursday, falling 5-2 to top-ranked Liberty University in the ACHA Women's Division 1 National Championship semifinals at Centene Community Ice Center.

The Warriors took an early lead when Taylor Bell scored unassisted at the 3:32 mark of the first period. Liberty responded in the second with three unanswered goals, including a power-play tally at 3:20.

Midland cut the deficit to one when Makara Magbanua scored off a feed from Brooke Barylski at 15:34 of the second. However, Liberty restored its two-goal cushion late in the period and carried a 4-2 advantage into the final intermission.

The Flames' defense held strong in the third, adding an empty-net goal to secure the win and advance to Friday's championship game against Maryville.

Midland goaltender Meghan Stewart recorded 23 saves in the loss, while Liberty's Alexandra Keith stopped 24 shots. The Warriors went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Flames converted 1 of 5 opportunities with the advantage.

Midland's season ends with its fifth consecutive trip to the ACHA national semifinals and a 28-9 overall record.