Courtesy of Midland Athletics
WINFIELD, Kan. – Midland University faced a tough battle on the road as it clashed with Southwestern College in a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) matchup on Saturday. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Moundbuilders came away with a 13-6 victory on their home turf at Richard L. Jantz Stadium.
The game kicked off with a defensive showdown, resulting in a scoreless first quarter. However, Southwestern managed to break the deadlock just before halftime with a 25-yard run followed by a successful PAT, giving them a 7-0 lead heading into the break.
Midland came out strong in the third quarter, with Allaya Livingston finding the end zone on a seven-yard rush, bringing the score to 7-6. Despite their efforts, the Warriors were unable to convert the PAT, leaving them trailing by a single point.
As the teams battled fiercely, it was defenses holding firm. With just under two minutes left on the clock, Midland had a chance to turn the tide, but Southwestern’s defense intercepted a pass and returned it for a game-sealing touchdown with 14 seconds remaining.
In the passing game, Angel Ioane Kaio led the charge for Midland, completing 13-of-36 attempts for 169 yards, although she faced adversity with four interceptions. Ioane was the team’s leading rusher with 25 yards on seven carries. Livingston contributed both on the ground and through the air, tallying a rushing touchdown and 52 receiving yards on three receptions, while Emily Ferron chipped in with 17 yards on three catches.
Defensively, Mikaela Nunez anchored the Warriors with 11 tackles, while Cydnee Redd added six tackles of her own.
Midland (8-4, 8-4 KCAC) will look to get back on track next week with a midweek game at Kansas Wesleyan (12-1, 10-1 KCAC). The Warriors will be looking to avenge an early season loss to the Coyotes. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m. in Salina, Kansas on Wednesday, April 10.
