Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FREMONT, Neb. — Midland University hosted No. 2-ranked Dordt University on Saturday afternoon inside the Wikert Event Center in a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) matchup. The back-to-back national champions’ strong defensive play and balanced scoring proved too much, as the Warriors fell to the Defenders, 92-55.
Dordt opened the game on a 7-0 run, prompting an early Midland timeout. Out of the break, a 3-pointer by Ciera Jorge put the Warriors on the scoreboard, but Gracie Schoonhoven quickly answered with a layup to maintain the Defenders’ lead. A 15-1 run over the next five minutes helped Dordt build a 22-4 advantage with 2:49 remaining in the opening quarter. A 3-pointer by Addy Offutt snapped Midland’s scoring drought, but Dordt responded with a jumper from Olivia Harazin. The Warriors continued to battle with a layup by Tyra Berry and a 3-pointer from Ellie Bovaird, but the Defenders led 28-12 at the end of the first quarter.
The teams traded baskets to open the second quarter, with Dordt maintaining control. A 3-pointer by Allie Hakimzadeh cut Midland’s deficit to 43-24 with 4:55 remaining in the half. Dordt responded with a layup by Aubrey Burkhart, prompting another Warrior timeout. Following the stoppage, the Defenders used an 8-0 run to extend the lead, forcing Midland to call another timeout with 3:15 left in the quarter. Midland closed the half on a 7-4 run, but Dordt carried a 57-31 advantage into halftime.
Following the intermission, Dordt’s offense gained momentum with a 7-0 run to open the third quarter before a Jorge 3-pointer cut the deficit to 30. The Defenders answered with an 8-0 run to extend the lead to 72-34, leading to another Midland timeout. After the break, the teams traded baskets before scoring slowed briefly. Two free throws by Desta Hoogendoorn got Dordt back on the board, with Bovaird answering for Midland. The Defenders maintained control and took an 83-41 lead into the fourth quarter.
Midland opened the final quarter on a 5-2 run to cut the deficit to 85-46 with 8:45 remaining. Dordt answered with a layup and a 3-pointer from Burkhart to maintain its lead, though the Warriors continued to compete. A layup by Danielle Bruce sparked a 6-2 Midland run to close the game, but Dordt secured the 92-55 victory.
“I am proud that we are playing with excellent energy and effort. The team has also been dedicated to the scouting reports,” head coach Chris Burks stated. “We have implemented a new approach to our scouts, which has helped translate preparation from paper and video to the court. We have also emphasized more skill development, and both changes have played a major role in how our team is competing.”
Jenna Weber led Midland with 13 points. Bovaird followed with 11 points to go along with four rebounds and four assists.
Midland shot 18 of 52 (34.6%) from the field, while Dordt finished 34 of 80 (42.5%). The Defenders held a 52-32 rebounding advantage.
Midland (2-15, 1-10 GPAC) will welcome Doane (6-9, 4-7 GPAC) to the Wikert Event Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, for another GPAC matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Fremont.
