Courtesy of Midland Athletics
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – For the third time this season—and the second in as many days—No. 21-ranked Midland University squared off with No. 2 Oregon Institute of Technology on Wednesday in an NAIA Opening Round game. The Warriors, who evened the series with a win on Tuesday, were edged by the Owls, 2-0, forcing a winner-take-all game on Thursday.
Both pitching staffs and defenses were sharp early, combining to allow just seven hits through the first four innings. Oregon Tech, the designated visiting team on the scoreboard, broke through with a run in the fifth and added an insurance run in the sixth.
In the fifth, the Owls worked a pair of walks before a two-out infield single plated the game’s first run. An inning later, back-to-back doubles made it 2-0.
Midland looked to answer in the bottom of the sixth. Isabelle Pagan drew a leadoff walk, and Jayci Reimers followed with a one-out double. With runners on the corners and two outs, Jenna Lemley loaded the bases with a walk, but the Owls escaped the jam with a strikeout to end the threat.
In the seventh, Reese Floro and Matti Reiling earned back-to-back walks with one out, giving Midland another opportunity. Oregon Tech made a pitching change and closed out the game, securing the shutout.
Campbell Petrick was solid in the circle for the Warriors, tossing a complete game. She allowed two runs on nine hits and struck out one.
Midland (39-16) will face Oregon Tech (45-10) on Thursday at Stilwell Stadium in the final game of the NAIA Opening Round. The winner will punch a ticket to the 2025 NAIA Softball World Series, set for May 22–28 in Columbus, Georgia.
