Warriors Start Strong but Fall to VCSU in Season Opener

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Midland University opened its women's basketball season on Friday, facing Valley City State University at the Briar Cliff Invitational in Sioux City, Iowa. The Warriors started strong but struggled to maintain their shooting, as the Vikings pulled away to secure an 85-69 victory.

Midland came out shooting well, going 4-for-7 from three-point range in the first quarter, with threes from Sarah Shepard, Grace Holm, and two from Jenna Weber. This offensive burst put Midland ahead 12-9 halfway through the quarter. However, Valley City State stayed close but still trailed the Warriors 21-19 at the end of the first quarter.

After Holm hit her second three-pointer to put the Warriors up 24-19 at the start of the second quarter, the Vikings responded with a 14-0 run, taking control and extending their lead to 33-24 with 4:55 left in the half. They forced six turnovers during the run, putting the Warriors on the defensive as halftime approached.

Midland fought back with baskets from Ellie Bovaird and Weber to cut the lead to five, but a well-timed timeout from Valley City slowed their momentum. The Vikings came out of the timeout with a score, keeping their lead intact and heading into halftime up 41-33.

The Warriors looked to rally in the third quarter, going on a 12-6 run to cut the deficit to two at 47-45 with 5:17 left. Just as Midland closed the gap, the Vikings responded with a 14-5 run, closing the third quarter with an 11-point lead, 61-50.

In the final quarter, Midland fought hard but was unable to reduce the deficit to single digits, with Valley City State outscoring them 24-19 to seal the 85-69 win.

After an early 5-for-8 performance from three, the Warriors struggled from beyond the arc, going just 2-for-18 the rest of the way and finishing 7-for-26 (26.9%). They shot 25-for-66 (37.9%) overall. The Vikings focused on high-percentage shots, scoring 60 points in the paint and shooting 37-for-67 (55.2%) overall. While Valley City State attempted only 10 three-pointers, they made four. The teams tied in turnovers at 20 each, but the Vikings capitalized with 17 points off turnovers compared to Midland's 10.

Jenna Weber led Midland with 20 points in 38 minutes, adding 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Ellie Bovaird followed with 15 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds in 37 minutes. Sarah Shepard dominated the boards, leading with 15 rebounds while adding 3 steals.

Midland (0-1) will return to action tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for another game in the Briar Cliff Invitational, taking on Bethany (0-1) in Sioux City, Iowa.