Warriors' Offense Struggles in Home Opener

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University played its first home game of the season on Friday, hosting York University inside Wikert Event Center. The Warriors couldn't overcome a slow start and fell to the Panthers, 68-47.

Both teams opened sluggishly, with Midland shooting just 1-of-13 (7.7%) in the first quarter, while York managed 3-of-13 (23.1%), ending the quarter with a 10-6 lead.

"We love open threes, and we love layups, but we're still in the process of realizing that when one option isn't working, we need to switch to the other," said first-year head coach Chris Burks.

Midway through the second quarter, Grace Holm hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 12. The Panthers then responded with a 9-2 run, a lead they maintained for the remainder of the game.

The Warriors closed the gap to three points twice: first, just before halftime after Rubie Klausen made a free throw, and again with seven minutes left in the third when KD-Anna Petersen hit a jumper. Each time, York managed to keep Midland at bay.

The Panthers led 41-32 heading into the fourth quarter, where they pulled away by hitting 4-of-8 from behind the arc and outscoring Midland 27-15 in the final frame. Midland shot a game-best 40% (6-of-15) in the fourth, scoring 15 points—their highest total in a quarter.

York ended the game on a 17-8 run to secure the 68-47 win. Midland shot 15-of-54 (27.8%) from the field and 3-of-23 (13%) from three-point range, while York capitalized on 15 second-chance points compared to Midland's four and scored 27 points off turnovers to the Warriors' 11.

Jenna Weber led the Warriors with 16 points, and Sarah Shepard pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds.

"We have a lot to learn and a long journey ahead, but we're ready for it," Burks added.

Midland (0-3) will begin its conference schedule next Saturday, November 16, hosting Briar Cliff (2-0) at 2:00 p.m. inside Wikert Event Center.