Top-Ranked Dordt Overpowers Warriors

FREMONT, Neb. – Midland University hosted No. 1-ranked Dordt University on Saturday inside the Wikert Event Center in Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) action. The defending national champions' stifling defense proved too much as the Warriors fell, 82-48.

Both teams traded baskets early in the first quarter. Four points from Erin Foxhall, an Ellie Bovaird layup, and a Jenna Weber three-pointer tied the game at 9-9 midway through the period. Dordt responded with an 8-0 run before Weber sank another three to end the streak. The Defenders extended their lead, closing the quarter ahead 21-14.

Dordt's defense tightened in the second quarter, allowing just one Midland field goal—a Foxhall layup at the 7:51 mark. The Warriors added eight points from the free-throw line but were outscored 20-10 in the period, trailing 41-24 at halftime.

Midland's shooting struggles carried into the third quarter, with their first field goal coming at the seven-minute mark when Foxhall drained a jumper to end a 10-2 Dordt run that spanned both halves. Layups by Foxhall, Weber, and Emily Redding helped the Warriors battle back, but Dordt closed the quarter on a 14-0 run, which stretched to an 18-0 run early in the fourth.

The Warriors showed resilience in the final quarter, with Foxhall and Weber each scoring six points. However, Dordt's overwhelming performance sealed the 82-48 victory.

Midland faced shooting challenges throughout the night, converting just 16-of-53 (30.2%) from the floor and 4-of-13 (30.8%) from three-point range. In contrast, Dordt shot 31-of-70 (44.3%) overall and 8-of-24 (33.3%) from beyond the arc. The Defenders' size advantage was evident, as they outrebounded the Warriors 54-26, generating 15 second-chance points.

Foxhall and Weber led Midland with 17 points each, while also pacing the team in rebounds with six and five, respectively. Bovaird added five assists and four points in the loss.

Midland (2-17, 2-11 GPAC) will look to bounce back on Wednesday, January 22, as they travel to face Mount Marty (8-11, 2-11 GPAC) in Yankton, South Dakota. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Cimpl Arena.