Turnovers Hamper Warriors in Season Opener

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — (RV) Midland University opened its 2026 season on the road Wednesday night at Liston Field, taking on No. 4-ranked Baker University. The Wildcats forced four turnovers on their home field, securing the 39-7 win.

Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter before Baker erupted for 25 second-quarter points to take a 25-0 halftime lead.

The Wildcats struck with 11:19 remaining in the second quarter when Alana Romey caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Tara Llorente. The conversion attempt failed, giving Baker a 6-0 lead.

After forcing a Midland punt, Baker scored on a two-play drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by Llorente. The conversion failed again, extending the lead to 12-0 with 7:56 left in the half.

Midland's opening play on the ensuing drive was intercepted, and Baker capitalized four plays later when Destiny Martinez caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Llorente. The conversion failed, and the Wildcats led 18-0 with 5:14 remaining in the quarter.

Baker intercepted Midland again on the third play of the next drive and followed with an eight-play scoring march. Llorente connected with Sanija Waller for a 3-yard touchdown pass, and the one-point conversion was successful to make it 25-0 with 48 seconds left in the half.

Midland threatened late in the quarter, but a third consecutive drive ended in an interception. The half concluded two plays later.

After trading possessions to open the third quarter, Midland got on the board with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Holiness Hodges. The Warriors converted the one-point try to cut the deficit to 25-7 with 3:55 remaining in the third.

Baker used an eight-play drive to run out the remainder of the quarter. On the first play of the fourth, Llorente scored on a 3-yard run. The conversion attempt failed, giving the Wildcats a 31-7 lead with 11:28 to play.

Midland assembled a nine-play drive but turned the ball over on downs. Baker later faced fourth-and-goal at the Midland 21-yard line when Kayla Harrison broke free for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was successful, pushing the lead to 39-7.

Both teams had two additional possessions, and each threw an interception before time expired.

Baker ran 54 plays for 311 yards, while Midland totaled 48 plays for 146 yards. The Wildcats completed 22 of 36 passes for 205 yards and rushed 18 times for 106 yards. Midland completed 22 of 44 passes for 156 yards and was held to minus-10 rushing yards on four carries.

Llorente finished 15 of 28 passing for 145 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. She also rushed 11 times for 66 yards and two scores. Harrison had a 21-yard touchdown run. Waller caught seven passes for 46 yards and a touchdown, while Romey added three receptions for 45 yards and a score. Martinez had two catches for 11 yards and a touchdown.

Midland quarterback Lotta Wulff completed 18 of 34 passes for 122 yards with three interceptions. Hodges threw a 15-yard touchdown pass and led the Warriors in rushing with a 2-yard carry. Melanie Archuleta recorded four receptions for 46 yards, and Emily Ferron added three catches for 22 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Baker was led by Gabriella Zabaletta with nine tackles and an interception. Kaley Phillips had three tackles and an interception. Mariah Greenfield recorded two interceptions.

For Midland, Archuleta posted seven tackles. Olivia Dominguez-Millsop had two tackles and an interception, and Eunice Sambilay also recorded an interception.

Midland (0-1, 0-1 KCAC) returns to action Saturday, Feb. 28, at Hesston. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Oswald Field.