Courtesy of Midland Athletics
DAVENPORT, Iowa – Back inside the St. Ambrose Dome once more, No. 11-ranked Midland took on Missouri Valley College and No. 23-ranked St. Xavier University on Sunday. The Warriors defeated the Vikings, 4-1, before falling to the Cougars, 4-1.
GAME ONE: Midland 4, Missouri Valley 1
The Warriors scored two runs in both the first and third innings, providing early offensive support for Chloe Wagner in the circle. Wagner had a strong outing in her first action of the spring, tossing a complete game while allowing just one earned run and striking out six.
In the first, MaKenna Watkins led off the bottom half with a single and later stole second to move into scoring position. Alexis Shepherd drove her in with a two-out double to put Midland on the board. After a walk to Jayci Reimers, Emma Hodnet delivered an RBI single to center to score Shepherd.
Two innings later, Watkins again sparked the offense, reaching second with a leadoff double to left. The Warriors loaded the bases with two outs before Hodnet came through once more. Her single to left field drove in Isabelle Pagan and Shepherd, extending the lead to 4-0.
Midland carried a shutout into the final inning before Missouri Valley avoided it with a solo home run from its leadoff hitter. Wagner quickly regrouped and closed out the game to earn her first win of the season.
Statistical Standouts
- Chloe Wagner: 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K
- MaKenna Watkins: 2-for-3, R, 2B
- Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2B
- Emma Hodnet: 3-for-3, 3 RBI
GAME TWO: St. Xavier 4, Midland 1
Facing a ranked opponent for the first time this season, the Warriors fell behind early after allowing four runs over the first three innings. Midland had a prime opportunity in the third, loading the bases with no outs, but was unable to capitalize as the Cougars escaped the jam.
In the fourth, Midland broke through for its lone run of the contest. Alexis Shepherd reached on an error, and Jayci Reimers and Zoe Dickson loaded the bases with a hit by pitch and a walk. Danielle Schoby lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Shepherd. A walk to Sophie De Rouin loaded the bases again, but the next batter flied out to end the threat.
Midland managed just two hits over the final three innings as St. Xavier secured the 4-1 victory.
Mackenzie Groninga took the loss, pitching 1 2/3 innings with two strikeouts while allowing three hits, three walks, and two earned runs. Campbell Petrick worked the final 4 1/3 innings, striking out two while surrendering four hits and one earned run.
Statistical Standouts
- Grace Behrns: 1-for-3, BB
- Emma Hodnet: 1-for-3
- Danielle Schoby: 0-for-2, RBI, BB
Midland (5-3) will travel to Oklahoma next weekend for its first outdoor games of the spring at the NAIA SB Invite in Shawnee. The Warriors are scheduled to face No. 16 Missouri Baptist and (RV) Baker on Saturday, followed by Columbia and (RV) Friends on Sunday.
