No. 22 Warriors Wrap Up Home Slate with Sweep

FREMONT, Neb. – No. 22 Midland University returned to its home turf for the final time of the regular season Tuesday, hosting Concordia University in a twice-rescheduled Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader. The opener was a nail-biter that stretched to 11 innings before the Warriors secured a 4-3 walk-off win. In Game 2, Midland broke open a tight contest with a six-run sixth inning to claim an 8-0 run-rule victory at Schilke Fields.

GAME ONE: Midland 4, Concordia 3 (11 innings)

After two scoreless innings, the Warriors broke through with two runs in the bottom of the third. Paxton Mitties scored as a pinch runner on a fielder's choice, and MaKenna Watkins came home during a double-steal attempt as the Bulldogs recorded the second out.

Midland added another run in the fifth when Sophie De Rouin was caught between bases on a lineout. An errant throw attempting to double her off sailed into the outfield, allowing her to sprint home and extend the lead to 3-0.

Concordia began its comeback in the sixth with a sacrifice fly, then tied the game in the seventh with a two-run double. Both teams had chances in the eighth and ninth before the international tiebreaker rule came into effect.

In the 11th, Maddison Zach singled to left field to move Isabelle Pagan to third. As the fielder hesitated on a throw home, the ball slipped under her glove, allowing Pagan to race in for the walk-off run.

Campbell Petrick started and worked into the seventh inning, allowing two earned runs on eight hits with one strikeout. Mackenzie Groninga earned the win with five innings of relief, recording the final 15 outs while striking out three and not allowing a baserunner.

Statistical Standouts

• MaKenna Watkins: 1-for-5, R, 2B
• Alexis Shepherd: 2-for-5, SB
• Isabelle Pagan: 2-for-4, R, RBI, BB
• Emma Hodnet: 2-for-4, SB
• Sophie De Rouin: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB

GAME TWO: Midland 8, Concordia 0 (6 innings)

Pitching and defense controlled the early stages, with Midland collecting five hits and Concordia three through five innings.

The Warriors struck first in the third when Jayci Reimers was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing in a run.

Midland broke the game open in the sixth. Reimers drew a leadoff walk, and Grace Behrns followed with another free pass. After a passed ball moved runners into scoring position, Claire Wisnieski was hit by a pitch to load the bases.

De Rouin then reached on an error, allowing two runs to score. Jaidan Wehrle followed with an RBI single to right, and a series of aggressive baserunning plays — including a double steal and a prolonged rundown — led to another run crossing the plate.

Alexis Shepherd added an RBI infield single, and Isabelle Pagan delivered an RBI double to extend the lead. A wild pitch later in the inning brought home the eighth run, ending the game via the run rule. Midland scored seven runs in the inning on three hits and two Concordia errors.

Groninga tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing three hits and one walk while striking out eight to improve to 16-3 on the season.

Statistical Standouts

• Jaidan Wehrle: 2-for-4, R, RBI
• Alexis Shepherd: 2-for-3, R, RBI, BB
• Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-4, RBI, 2B
• Jayci Reimers: 1-for-1, R, RBI, BB
• Sophie De Rouin: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI
• Mackenzie Groninga: 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 8 K

Midland (30-10, 12-2 GPAC) will finish the regular season on the road with four conference doubleheaders. The Warriors travel to face Morningside (20-14, 11-3 GPAC) on Friday in Sioux City, Iowa. The previously scheduled Saturday series at Dakota Wesleyan has been moved to Sunday due to forecasted winter weather.