No. 11 Warriors Drop Pair of Dome Games

Midland University softball team falls to Culver-Stockton and Benedictine College in weekend doubleheader

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The No. 11-ranked Midland University softball team faced tough competition over the weekend, dropping a pair of games while playing inside the Dordt Dome in Sioux City, Iowa. Midland lost 2-0 to Culver-Stockton College in the first game before suffering a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in eight innings against Benedictine College in the second game.

Why it matters

The losses drop Midland's record to 0-2 on the young season, putting the Warriors in an early hole as they look to build momentum and compete for a conference title. The games also highlighted the team's offensive struggles, as they were held in check by strong pitching performances from their opponents.

The details

In the first game, Midland's bats were silenced by Culver-Stockton's defense, managing just a few baserunners but unable to bring any runs across. The Wildcats scored two runs in the fifth inning, which proved to be the difference. In the second game, Midland and Benedictine were locked in a pitchers' duel, with the Ravens breaking through for two runs in the sixth inning to take the lead. The Warriors rallied to tie it in the seventh, but Benedictine scored the winning run in the eighth inning to hand Midland the loss.

  • The games were played on Saturday, February 9, 2026 inside the Dordt Dome in Sioux City, Iowa.
  • The first game between Midland and Culver-Stockton was played earlier in the day.
  • The second game between Midland and Benedictine went into extra innings before being decided in the eighth inning.

The players

Midland University

The No. 11-ranked softball team from Midland University that competed in the doubleheader.

Culver-Stockton College

The opponent that defeated Midland 2-0 in the first game of the doubleheader.

Benedictine College

The opponent that defeated Midland 3-2 in eight innings in the second game of the doubleheader.

Sydney Atkins

The Midland pitcher who started the first game, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out nine batters.

Mackenzie Groninga

The Midland pitcher who came in relief in the first game, recording two strikeouts.

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What’s next

Midland will look to bounce back in their next games as they continue their early-season schedule.

The takeaway

Midland's offensive struggles in these two games highlight the need for the Warriors to find their rhythm at the plate if they hope to compete with the top teams in their conference this season.