Courtesy of Midland Athletics
MITCHELL, S.D. – After being rescheduled by one day, No. 24 Midland University traveled to face conference-leading Dakota Wesleyan University on Sunday in Mitchell, South Dakota. The Warriors and Tigers split a Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) doubleheader, with DWU rallying for a 4-2 win in the opener before Midland responded with a commanding 7-0 victory in game two.
GAME ONE: Dakota Wesleyan 4, Midland 2
The Tigers struck first, capitalizing on a leadoff double in the second inning. A bunt and a single brought in the run, giving the home team an early lead on its Senior Day.
Midland answered in the top of the third, scoring twice to take the lead. Danielle Schobysingled with one out and later scored on a two-out double by Jaidan Wehrle. In the next at-bat, MaKenna Watkins reached on an error by the left fielder, allowing Wehrle to score.
The Warriors threatened again in the fourth as Isabelle Pagan led off with a double. A single by Jayci Reimers put runners on the corners, but the Tigers escaped the inning with two flyouts and a strikeout.
Dakota Wesleyan pulled even in the fifth with a triple and a double, then regained the lead an inning later with two runs during a two-out rally. The Tigers worked around a walk in the seventh to secure the win.
Campbell Petrick went the distance in the circle for Midland, allowing four runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out four.
Statistical Standouts
- Jaidan Wehrle: 1-for-4, R, RBI, 2B
- Isabelle Pagan: 1-for-3, 2B
- Jayci Reimers: 1-for-2, BB
- Danielle Schoby: 1-for-3, R
GAME TWO: Midland 7, Dakota Wesleyan 0
Midland bounced back in game two behind timely hitting and dominant pitching. Isabelle Pagan got the scoring started in the first inning with a two-run home run, bringing in Jaidan Wehrle, who led off with a single.
Mackenzie Groninga controlled the game in the circle, holding DWU hitless through the first three innings. In the fourth, Midland worked out of a bases-loaded jam after Groninga allowed a leadoff single and two walks before striking out the final two batters.
Pagan delivered again in the fifth. After Sophie De Rouin singled and Watkins reached on an error, Pagan launched her second home run of the game—a three-run shot to right field—to extend the lead to 5-0.
Following a scoreless sixth, Midland added insurance in the seventh. Pagan doubled to drive in Alexis Shepherd, and Jayci Reimers added another RBI. On the play, Mara Vonkscored after entering as a pinch runner for Pagan.
Outside of the fourth inning, Groninga was in complete control. She finished with a career-high 15 strikeouts, allowing just one hit in a complete-game effort.
Statistical Standouts
- Jaidan Wehrle: 1-for-4, R
- Alexis Shepherd: 1-for-4, 2 R
- Emma Hodnet: 1-for-4, 2B
- Isabelle Pagan: 3-for-4, 2 R, 6 RBI, 2B, 2 HR
- Mackenzie Groninga: 7.0 IP, 1 H, 15 K
Midland (31-11, 13-3 GPAC) will look to close the regular season strong with three road doubleheaders this week. The Warriors begin with a series against Mount Marty (14-24, 5-13 GPAC) on Tuesday in Yankton, South Dakota. First pitch is set for 3 p.m., with game two scheduled for 5 p.m. at Northeast Sertoma Softball Field.
