Second-Quarter Surge Propels Missouri Valley Past Warriors
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Missouri Valley (4-7) | 3 | 7 | 8 | 4 | 22 |
|
Midland (0-6) | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 8 |
FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University braved the elements Saturday afternoon, taking on Missouri Valley in a steady drizzle. After a strong start by the Warriors, the Vikings took control in the second quarter, scoring 13 consecutive goals en route to a 22-8 victory.
Midland struck first just 19 seconds into the game when Macie Bock found the back of the net off an assist from Chloe Harrison. Missouri Valley responded about two minutes later to tie the game, then took a 2-1 lead with nine minutes left in the first quarter. The battle continued as Midland's Harrison netted a quick equalizer just 15 seconds later. The Vikings reclaimed the lead at the 6:18 mark, but the Warriors finished the quarter strong. Goals from Ryland Nelson and Bock in the final four minutes gave Midland a 4-3 edge heading into the second period.
Madi Marusiak extended Midland's lead early in the second quarter, scoring with 13:24 left to make it 5-3. However, Missouri Valley took over from there, rattling off seven unanswered goals to take a 10-5 advantage into halftime.
The Vikings didn't slow down in the third quarter, netting six goals in the first eight minutes to extend their lead to 16-5. Lauren Chick broke the streak with a goal at the 5:32 mark, but Missouri Valley answered to make it 17-6. The teams traded goals late in the period, with Nelson scoring for Midland before the Vikings added another to take an 18-7 lead into the final frame.
Marusiak struck again in the fourth quarter, but Missouri Valley maintained control, outscoring Midland 4-1 down the stretch to secure the 22-8 win.
The Warriors started strong, converting four of their first five shots, but struggled to generate quality looks for the remainder of the game. Missouri Valley outshot Midland 35-14. Goalkeeper Kyla Pires recorded seven saves in 60 minutes of action.
Midland (0-5, 0-4 HAAC) will hit the road on Thursday, April 3, to face the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (4-6, 1-3 HAAC). Game time is set for 3 p.m. in Maryland Heights, Missouri.