Braves Holdoff Warriors in KCAC Battle

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University went toe-to-toe with Ottawa University on Saturday afternoon at Heedum Field. The talented and formidable Braves held off the Warriors' upset bid, winning 21-7 in a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) matchup.

Defensive was the name of the game in the opening quarter, as both teams could not find the endzone, keeping the game scoreless. On the first play of the second quarter, Ottawa quarterback Madysen Carrera connected with Alyssa Linkous on a 9-yard touchdown pass. After a completed conversion pass, Ottawa led, 7-0. Midland responded immediately as it put together a two-play 66-yard drive, highlighted by a 58-yard touchdown pass to Kobie Jay, from Angel Ioane Kaio. The one-point conversion pass was good, tying the game at 7-7, early in the quarter. The Braves responded with a quick strike of their own. Two plays into their ensuing possession, Carrera connected with Linkous on a 64-yard touchdown pass, making the score, 14-7, after the conversion. Both teams had two more drives before the half, but could not score.

Midland had the ball to begin the third quarter and put together a six-play drive, which stalled, resulting in a punt. Ottawa took over the ball at their 19-yard line and manufactured a seven-play 61-yard drive. Carrera found Cynthia Homs for a 17-yard touchdown pass, and after the conversion, the Braves led 21-7.

The Warriors would touch the ball two more times in the game, with drives resulting in a punt and an incomplete pass on a fourth down. The Braves held on for the 21-7 victory.

Ottawa accumulated 366 yards of total offense. Madysen Carrera was 30-for-39 passing, for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Carrera also led the Braves in rushing, carrying the ball 7 times for 39 yards. Cynthia Homs was the top receiver on the day, catching 6 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown. Alyssa Linkous hauled in 4 receptions for 79 yards and 2 scores. On defense, Faron Malouff led the Braves, recording 6 tackles.

Midland had 225 yards of offense. Angel Ioane Kaio completed 24-of-36 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown. Ioane Kaio carried the ball 3 times for 7 yards. Kobie Jay caught 3 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Cydnee Redd and Mikaela Nunez led the Warriors, with 8 tackles, each. Jocelyn Lopez had 2 stops and a sack.

Midland (8-3, 8-3 KCAC) will resume KCAC action next Saturday when they travel to Winfield, Kansas to take on Southwestern (4-5, 2-5 KCAC). Competition begins at 1:00 p.m. at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.