Warriors Open Hastings Classic with First Win of Season

HASTINGS, Neb. – Midland University picked up its first win of the season on a Friday afternoon as they defeated Graceland University 62-55 in the opening game of the Hastings Classic. The Warriors, who led most of the contest, sealed the victory in the final quarter inside Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings, Nebraska.

The YellowJackets started things off in the first with a jump shot. The Warriors followed closely behind and quickly matched their points with a layup by Gabby Beauperthuy. Both teams traded baskets until the final five minutes of the first, as Beauperthuy started to attack the basket. Back-to-back baskets pushed the Midland lead to 12-8 and After a few scoreless minutes for both teams, Graceland put up one more basket as the time was running down. Midland matched it in the final second to head into the quarterbreak with a 14-10 lead.

The YellowJackets started to chip away at the Warriors' lead at the start of the second, dwindling it down to one point within the first minute. Midland responded with a 9-2 run to boost their lead back up to 8. The YellowJackets broke their scoreless drought with a pair of free throws followed by a three-pointer but the Warriors were able to go on a 4-2 run to head into halftime, 28-23.

After the intermission, the Graceland opened the third quarter with a layup. Aryanna Harrison responded with a layup and free throw. A 6-3 run by GU brought the game to a 34-34 tie with just over three minutes left. A three-pointer by Emma Shepard put the Warriors back in front and they never looked back. Asia Bryant scored a layup in the final eight seconds to put Midland up 40-36, heading into the final 10 minutes of action.

Emma Shepard opened the final quarter with a three-pointer, sparking a 16-3 run to give the Warriors a double-digit 16-point lead, 55-39, at the midpoint of the fourth. The Warriors' shooting started to slow as the YellowJackets picked theirs up. A 16-6 run by Graceland narrowed the lead to just six points in the final minute. With time on their side, the Warriors held on for the 62-55 win.

Gabby Beauperthuy had a double-double, leading the team with 20 points and 11 rebounds to go along with four assists and a steal. Emma Shepard followed behind with 12 points while Rubie Klausen added 7.

For the game, Midland shot 22-of-55 (43.1%) while Graceland shot 18-of-49 (36.7%). The Warriors had the edge in second-chance points over the YellowJackets, 16-6.

Midland (1-2) will be back in action on Saturday, November 4 as they take on Bethel (0-2). Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. inside of Lynn Farrell Arena in Hastings.