Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – Midland University traveled up to Sioux Center, Iowa to take on the No. 2-ranked Dordt University in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup on a Saturday evening. The Warriors faced a tough test against the reigning regular-season champs, falling by a score of 88-48 to the Defenders.
The Warriors opened the game with foul trouble, presenting the Defenders with the opportunity for the first points. Midland quickly regrouped to go on a 6-2 run but Dordt quickly responded with a 5-0 run to take over the lead. After trading baskets, and fighting for the lead, the Defenders turned up the heat, going on a 13-3 run to end the first quarter with a 25-16 advantage.
Bailee Hart opened up the second quarter with a jump shot, as the Warriors looked for some momentum. Dordt’s pressure led to Midland turnovers as they went on a 26-6 run, creating a double-digit gap. The Warriors trailed 51-24 heading into halftime.
After the intermission, the Defenders did not back down, as they opened up the third quarter with a 10-4 run. Jenna Weber paced the Warriors as they began to match points with the Defenders. Dordt closed with a 6-0 run to take a 73-34 lead into the final ten minutes of action.
Midland attempted to battle back in the final quarter of play but fell short. A surge through the first part of the final quarter sealed the decisive win for Dordt, 88-48.
For the game, Midland shot 19-of-55 (34.5%) while Dordt shot 33-of-75 (44%). The Defenders took advantage of 22 turnovers by the Warriors which translated into 21 points.
Sarah Shepard led MU with nine points, followed by Bailee Hart and Ellie Bovaird with seven each.
Midland (2-4, 0-2 GPAC) will face Hastings (2-4, 0-2 GPAC) next week in a GPAC matchup. The Tuesday night tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. in Hastings, Nebraska.
