Warriors Claim Season’s First Win at Hesston

HESSTON, Kan. – (RV) Midland University returned to action Saturday afternoon with a 39-6 victory over Hesston College at Oswald Field. The win marked the Warriors' first of the season.

Midland opened with the ball but was forced to punt after four plays. Hesston also ran four plays on its next possession before an Alexis Pabon pass was intercepted by Allaya Livingston and returned 24 yards to the Larks' 6-yard line. Two plays later, Holiness Hodges scored on a 1-yard run. Lotta Wulff completed the conversion pass to give Midland a 7-0 lead with 7:11 remaining in the first quarter.

After forcing a punt on Hesston's next drive, Midland took over at its own 27-yard line. On the first play, Wulff connected with Livingston for a 53-yard touchdown pass. The conversion attempt failed, and Midland led 13-0 with 4:30 left in the opening quarter.

The Warriors forced another punt and took possession at their own 40-yard line. After three plays spanning the end of the first quarter, Midland maintained its 13-0 advantage. On the second play of the second quarter, Wulff again found Livingston, this time for a 26-yard touchdown on fourth-and-16. Wulff added the conversion run to extend the lead to 20-0 with 9:08 remaining in the half.

Midland forced another punt and capitalized on the ensuing drive when Wulff threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Hodges. The conversion pass failed, but Midland stretched its lead to 26-0 with 4:27 left before halftime.

Hesston broke through late in the half with a 10-play drive. Pabon connected with Liliana Espinoza on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The conversion rush failed, and Midland carried a 26-6 lead into halftime after running seven plays before the break.

Following an empty possession by Hesston to open the second half, Midland struck quickly. Wulff threw her fourth touchdown pass of the game, a 15-yard strike to Livingston. Wulff added the conversion pass to make it 33-6 with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter.

After another Hesston punt, the Warriors ran four plays to close out the third quarter. Midland added its final score early in the fourth when Karina Alfaro connected with Hodges for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The conversion attempt failed, giving Midland a 39-6 advantage with 9:55 to play.

Both teams exchanged punts the rest of the way, and Midland ran out the clock to secure the victory.

Midland ran 42 plays for 272 yards of total offense. The Warriors completed 27-of-35 passes for 302 yards and rushed seven times for minus-30 yards. Hesston ran 45 plays for 98 total yards. The Larks completed 14-of-37 passes for 106 yards and rushed eight times for minus-8 yards.

Individually, Wulff completed 18-of-23 passes for 224 yards and four touchdowns. Alfaro went 8-of-11 for 74 yards and one score. Hodges rushed twice for 6 yards and a touchdown. Livingston finished with six receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns, while Hodges added six catches for 50 yards and two scores.

For Hesston, Pabon was 14-of-37 passing for 106 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Madison Jarvis had one carry for 1 yard. Mikayla Lucas caught three passes for 38 yards, and Espinoza added three receptions for 17 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Olivia Dominguez-Millsop led Midland with five tackles. Livingston added three tackles and an interception. For Hesston, Emma Pfannenstiel recorded six tackles.

Midland (1-1) returns to action Wednesday, March 4, when it hosts Kansas Wesleyan at Heedum Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.