Courtesy of Midland Athletics
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – No. 21-ranked Midland University opened play in the 2025 NAIA Softball Opening Round on Monday with a first-round matchup against No. 15 Southeastern University. Facing the Fire for the second time this season, the Warriors erupted for six runs in the fourth inning en route to a 6-3 victory at Stilwell Stadium in Klamath Falls, Oregon.
Both defenses were sharp early. Southeastern worked around two Midland baserunners in the first and another in the second. The Warriors escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second inning and then sat the Fire down in order in the third.
After three scoreless innings, the Warriors sparked their offense with a one-out single by Alexis Shepherd, followed by a base hit from Sophie De Rouin. Jenna Lemley added a third single to load the bases. Aja Henderson, who entered the game after Ariyana Crafton exited with an injury, delivered a sacrifice fly to plate the first run.
With two runners in scoring position and two outs, Reese Floro singled to center to bring home another run, ending the day for Southeastern’s starter. Facing a new pitcher, Matti Reiling was hit by a pitch to load the bases, and Isabelle Pagan promptly cleared them with a double to the gap in left-center, giving Midland a 5-0 lead. Paxton Mitties came on to run for Pagan, advancing to third on a wild pitch and scoring on an errant throw. The Warriors plated six runs on five hits and one error in the inning.
Southeastern responded with back-to-back doubles to start their half of the fourth, breaking up the shutout and later adding another run on a fielder’s choice to cut into the lead.
After a scoreless fifth inning, Midland was held in check in the sixth. Southeastern opened their half of the frame with two straight singles, prompting a pitching change. The Warriors brought in Mackenzie Groninga from the bullpen, and while the Fire scratched across one run, Groninga settled in to end the threat and preserve a 6-3 advantage heading to the seventh.
Midland was unable to add to its lead in the top of the final frame. Southeastern managed to get one runner on base in the bottom half, but their comeback hopes were extinguished with a groundout to Kamdyn Barrientos at third.
Campbell Petrick earned her 16th win of the season, working into the sixth inning while allowing eight hits, three earned runs, and striking out one. Groninga recorded the final six outs, giving up two hits and no runs to notch her second save of the year.
The Warrior pitching staff was backed by strong defense throughout. Barrientos made a shoestring catch that started a double play, Jayci Reimers hauled in a diving catch in foul territory behind first base, and Henderson made a running catch near the fence in left field.
Statistical Standouts
- Reese Floro: 2-for-4, R, RBI
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, 3 RBI, 2B
- Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-3, R
Midland (38-15) advances to the winner’s bracket game on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. CT. The Warriors will face the winner of No. 2 Oregon Tech and (RV) Jamestown. The Jimmies opened the tournament with a 10-6 win over Arizona Christian on Monday morning.
