Courtesy of Midland Athletics
TUCSON, Ariz. – A day after its opening game was rained out, No. 19-ranked Midland University opened play at the Tucson Invitational Games with a pair of contests. The Warriors began the day with an 11-3 win over Valley City State University in five innings, then defeated Dickinson State University 9-5.
GAME ONE: Midland 11, Valley City State 3 (five innings)
Midland used a pair of big innings and a dominant effort in the circle to defeat the Vikings in the opening game of the day.
The Warriors struck first in the opening frame when Alexis Shepherd delivered an RBI single to score Grace Behrns. Valley City State answered with a run in the bottom half to even the score at 1-1 before Midland took control with four runs in the second inning and four more in the third to build an 8-1 advantage.
Midland added two insurance runs in the fifth inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Behrns, to cap the scoring and secure the run-rule victory.
In the circle, Mackenzie Groninga earned the complete-game victory, allowing just two hits and two earned runs while striking out nine.
Statistical Standouts
- Grace Behrns: 1-for-2, 2 R, RBI, BB, HR
- Alexis Shepherd: 4-for-4, 6 RBI, 2B
- Sophie De Rouin: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 RBI
- Mackenzie Groninga: 5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 9 K
GAME TWO: Midland 9, Dickinson State 5
In their second game of the day, the Warriors struck early. Midland plated five runs on six hits in the opening inning to set the tone and give Campbell Petrick plenty of support.
Highlighting the inning were RBIs from Jaidan Wehrle, Isabelle Pagan and Jayci Reimers in consecutive at-bats. Danielle Schoby then drove in two with a double before the Blue Hawks recorded the final out.
Two more runs scored in the second as Pagan delivered a single to right that brought home Alexis Shepherd and Grace Behrns. An inning later, Sophie De Rouin laid down a sacrifice bunt with runners on the corners to extend the lead.
Dickinson State’s offense came alive in the middle innings. After scoring once in the second, the Blue Hawks added two runs in both the fourth and fifth but were unable to draw closer down the stretch.
Midland plated its final run in the sixth when MaKenna Watkins doubled in Charlee Wegnerto make the final score 9-5.
Petrick went the distance, allowing two earned runs over seven innings. She struck out two while scattering seven hits and issuing five walks.
Statistical Standouts
- Grace Behrns: 2-for-4, 2 R
- Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
- Isabelle Pagan: 2-for-4, R, 3 RBI, 2B
- Jayci Reimers: 2-for-4, R, RBI
- MaKenna Watkins: 2-for-4, R, RBI, 2 2B
- Danielle Schoby: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2B
Midland (15-6) will be back in action Thursday with an added game against Providence (XXX). First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m. local time.
