Courtesy of Midland Athletics
MELBOURNE, Fla. – After a busy day of travel on Friday, No. 21-ranked Midland University began play in the Space Coast Spring Games with matchups against Aquinas College and Defiance College. The Warriors’ offense was limited in a 2-1 loss to the Saints to open the day, but they bounced back with a 5-2 victory over the Yellowjackets at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.
GAME ONE: Aquinas 2, Midland 1
Aquinas threatened early, putting two runners on with one out in the first inning, but Midland worked out of the jam. The Warriors were also held in check offensively until the bottom of the second, when Sophia De Rouin sparked the lineup.
After fouling off several pitches, De Rouin squared up a ball and drove it into the left-center gap. Using her speed, she raced around the bases for an inside-the-park home run, giving Midland a 1-0 lead. Ariyana Crafton followed with a single and stole two bases with one out, but the Yellowjackets recorded back-to-back outs to keep the deficit at one.
Both teams leaned on strong pitching and defense in the middle innings. Midland starter Paeton Coler allowed just two hits through five innings while striking out five batters.
In the sixth, Aquinas strung together three straight singles to load the bases. A single brought in the tying run, and a fielder’s choice plated another to put the Saints ahead 2-1. A double play and a groundout ended the inning, limiting further damage.
Midland was unable to rally in the final innings, as Aquinas’ pitching and defense held strong to secure the win.
Statistical Standouts
- Reese Floro: 1-for-2, BB
- Sophie De Rouin: 1-for-3, R, RBI, HR
- Ariyana Crafton: 1-for-2, 2 SB
GAME TWO: Midland 5, Defiance 2
Defiance struck first, scoring twice in the opening inning. After two singles and an error put runners in scoring position, the Yellowjackets capitalized with a groundout and a sacrifice fly to take a 2-0 lead.
Midland answered in the second inning. Matti Reiling led off with a single through the left side and later scored on an errant throw following aggressive base running, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
The Warriors took control in the third. De Rouin roped a one-out double and came home on an RBI single up the middle by Isabelle Pagan. After another single and a pitching change, Alexis Shepherd drove in pinch-runner Brie Lively. Reiling then added a sacrifice fly, and Shepherd came home on a throwing error after swiping third base. By the end of the frame, Midland led 5-2.
Defiance took advantage of an error in the fifth, turning it into an RBI single for what would prove to be its final run.
Campbell Petrick delivered a strong performance in the circle for the Warriors, throwing a complete game while allowing two earned runs on seven hits. She struck out five.
Statistical Standouts
- Sophie De Rouin: 3-for-4, R, 2B
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-4, RBI
- Kamdyn Barrientos: 2-for-3, R, BB
- Alexis Shepherd: 2-for-4, R, RBI
- Matti Reiling: 1-for-2, R, RBI, SAC
Midland (12-6) is scheduled for two games on Monday morning against Lourdes (0-0) and Keiser (16-5). First pitch for the opener is set for 9 a.m. CT, though potential storms in the forecast could alter the schedule.
