Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. – In an elimination game at the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Tournament, No. 21-ranked Midland University faced Dordt University on Friday afternoon at Schilke Fields. Following a delayed 3:00 p.m. start, the Defenders jumped ahead early—scoring four runs before a lightning delay—and added another afterward to shut out the Warriors, 5-0.
With the wind picking up right before the first pitch, Dordt quickly adjusted its approach. After a double to center field, the Defenders executed a small-ball strategy with two sacrifice bunts, two singles, and a walk to take a 3-0 lead. A brief rain delay paused the game for 10 minutes after the first out in the bottom half, disrupting Midland’s rhythm and limiting any response.
Dordt added another run in the top of the second. Before the Warriors could come to the plate in the bottom half, lightning in the area forced a 30-minute delay.
After the second stoppage, Midland continued to struggle at the plate. Hard-hit balls consistently found Defenders’ gloves. Dordt added its final run in the third inning via a pair of singles, a stolen base, and a walk.
Midland was limited to just two hits through the first four innings—both coming from Isabelle Pagan, who singled in the first and again in the fourth. In the fifth, Ariyana Crafton reached with a one-out single but was left stranded. Dordt retired the Warriors in order in the sixth, setting up a final chance for a rally.
A promising start to the seventh saw Jayci Reimers lead off with a single, followed by a one-out walk. However, a fielder’s choice and a flyout ended the game—and Midland’s tournament run—with a 5-0 defeat.
The Warriors managed just four hits, while the Defenders tallied five runs on nine hits. Paeton Coler started in the circle and worked into the third inning, allowing five runs on six hits. Campbell Petrick finished the final 4.1 innings, allowing three hits and striking out two.
Statistical Standouts
- Isabelle Pagan: 2-for-3
- Jayci Reimers: 1-for-3
- Ariyana Crafton: 1-for-3
Midland (37-15) will now await a potential at-large bid to the NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament. The Warriors, seeking their seventh-straight appearance, will learn their fate during the national selection show on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
