Courtesy of Midland Athletics
SIOUX CENTER, Iowa – No. 11-ranked Midland University opened its softball season Friday with a pair of games inside the Dordt Dome in Sioux Center, Iowa. The Warriors faced Mount Mercy University and Mayville State University on opening day, earning a 4-0 win over the Mustangs before edging the Comets, 2-1.
GAME 1: Midland 4, Mount Mercy 0
Campbell Petrick picked up where she left off last season, delivering a gem in the circle for the Warriors. The senior, a first-team all-conference selection in 2025, tossed a one-hit shutout in her first outing of 2026, striking out a career-high 10 batters over seven innings.
Midland struck early with two runs in the opening inning. Maddison Zach drove in the first run with a bases-loaded groundout, followed by a Mara Vonk RBI after being hit by a pitch with the bases full.
Two innings later, Emma Hodnet reached on an error as Alexis Shepherd scored following her leadoff double. In the fifth, Zach showcased her speed by stealing second after drawing a leadoff walk, advancing to third on the throw, and later scoring on a wild pitch.
The Warriors applied pressure on the basepaths throughout the game, swiping five stolen bases. Sophie De Rouin led the way with two.
Statistical Standouts
- Campbell Petrick: 7.0 IP, 1 H, 10 K
- Maddison Zach: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB
- Mara Vonk: 1-for-3, RBI
- Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-3, 2B, R
GAME 2: Midland 2, Mayville State 1
In the nightcap, Midland’s offense was limited outside of a decisive two-run third inning. Makenna Watkins led off the frame with a single, followed by a bunt out, a walk to Isabelle Pagan, and a flyout. With runners on first and second and two outs, Jayci Reimers delivered an RBI single into the right-center gap to open the scoring.
On the next at-bat, Reimers and Pagan executed a double steal. The throw to second was cut off but misplayed by the shortstop, allowing Pagan to score the second run.
Behind Mackenzie Groninga in the circle, the Midland defense held firm. Groninga carried a no-hitter into the final inning before Mayville State broke through. With two runners aboard via walks and one out, the Comets scored their lone run on a single to center field. After a fielder’s choice produced the second out, Groninga induced a flyout to center to end the game.
Statistical Standouts
- Mackenzie Groninga: 7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 8 K
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-2, R, BB, SB
- Jayci Reimers: 1-for-1, RBI, 2 BB, 2 SB
- Makenna Watkins: 2-for-4, R
Midland (2-0) returns to action Saturday with another pair of games inside the Dordt Dome. The Warriors will face Culver-Stockton (0-2) at 3 p.m. and (RV) Benedictine (0-0) at 5 p.m. in Sioux Center.
