Warriors’ Season Comes to End at NAIA Opening Round

FAYETTE, Mo. – After opening the week with a win in the NAIA Softball Opening Round, Midland University returned to action Tuesday for a winner's bracket matchup with top-seeded Madonna University. The game remained tightly contested before a four-run fifth inning propelled the Crusaders to a 4-1 victory. The Warriors then moved into an elimination game against Central Methodist University for the second time in the tournament. Playing on their home field, the third-seeded Eagles earned the rematch, 8-0, in five innings.

GAME ONE: Madonna 4, Midland 1

In a matchup featuring the top two seeds, the game was a defensive battle early. Madonna held the Warriors to just one hit through three innings while Midland worked around three Crusader hits.

Things changed in the top of the fourth when Isabelle Pagan hit a two-out home run to right-center field to open the scoring.

After Midland held Madonna scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, the Crusaders answered in the fifth. An error and two singles loaded the bases before a two-run single gave Madonna the lead. Back-to-back groundouts brought in two more runs as the Crusaders led 4-1 after five innings.

Midland's rally attempt came up short as Madonna allowed just one hit the rest of the way.

Campbell Petrick went the distance in the circle for the Warriors, allowing three earned runs on seven hits over six innings. She struck out five batters, including three consecutive strikeouts in the bottom of the sixth.

Statistical Standouts

• Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, R, RBI, HR
• Jayci Reimers: 1-for-3
• Emma Hodnet: 1-for-3
• Campbell Petrick: 6.0 IP, 3 ER, 5 K

GAME TWO: Central Methodist 8, Midland 0 (five innings)

The final game of day two featured a rematch from opening day as Midland faced host Central Methodist. The Eagles loaded the bases with one out in the first inning before a bases-clearing double gave them an early lead.

Central Methodist added three more runs in the second inning on four hits before another run in the third put the Eagles firmly in control.

Midland struggled offensively against the CMU starter. A leadoff walk in the first inning and a batter reaching on a wild pitch in the second accounted for the Warriors' only baserunners through the opening three innings.

In the fourth, Jayci Reimers broke up the no-hit bid with a two-out triple into the gap in right-center field. It proved to be Midland's lone hit of the game as the Eagles closed out the contest. Central Methodist advanced to Wednesday's bracket championship against No. 1-ranked Madonna.

"This one game doesn't define our season," head coach Beth Singleton said. "This was a tough way for our year to end, but we have a lot to be proud of and look back on. This group of graduating seniors will be missed. They played key roles and helped showcase our program at the national level each year. They made us a better team and program. We wish them the best in their futures."

Statistical Standout

• Jayci Reimers: 1-for-2, 3B

While the 2026 chapter of Midland softball closes with a 43-16 record, the Warriors have plenty to reflect on. Midland won a share of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) regular-season title with an 18-4 conference mark. As the top seed in the GPAC Tournament, the Warriors battled back through the bracket to claim the postseason championship on their home field. Mackenzie Groninga was named the GPAC Pitcher of the Year, while Beth Singleton earned GPAC Coach of the Year honors.