Warriors Drop Season Opener to Montreat in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Midland University opened its season on the road Saturday, facing Montreat University at a neutral site in St. Louis. The Warriors were shut out in their season opener, falling to the Cavaliers, 18-0.

Montreat recorded the first seven shots of the game, but Midland's defense held strong as the contest remained scoreless for the first 11 minutes. That changed when Grayson Scott scored an unassisted goal with 3:42 remaining in the first quarter to give Montreat a 1-0 lead.

The Cavaliers came out strong in the second quarter. Gavin Mottram doubled the lead 56 seconds into the period, and Aiden Simpson added another goal just 21 seconds later. Montreat continued its offensive pressure, scoring three more goals over the next 10 minutes before adding two goals in the final minute of the half to take an 8-0 advantage at halftime.

Montreat added a goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half before scoring four times in the final five minutes of the third quarter to extend the lead to 13-0 entering the fourth.

Midland held the Cavaliers scoreless for the first four minutes of the final quarter, but Montreat scored two quick goals to push the margin to 15-0. The Cavaliers added three more goals in the final 10 minutes to secure the 18-0 victory.

Montreat outshot Midland 59-14. Goalkeeper Sean Erickson made 12 saves while facing 30 shots on goal. The Warriors won 13 faceoffs compared to nine for the Cavaliers, but committed 40 turnovers, while Montreat had 28. Gavin Bartling led Midland with four shots, including two on goal, and 11 ground balls.

Midland (0-1) will look to bounce back Sunday when they face Columbia (S.C.) in St. Louis.