Warriors Earn First Win of Season, Top No. 7 Loyola

Midland University baseball team defeats ranked opponent in weekend series

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Midland University baseball team traveled to Louisiana for a four-game weekend series and earned their first win of the 2026 season, defeating No. 7 Loyola 3-2 in the second game of the series. After dropping the first game to Louisiana Christian 11-3, the Warriors bounced back with a strong pitching performance from Owen Kelley and Brandon Creps to hold off the ranked Loyola squad.

Why it matters

This win over a top-10 ranked opponent is an important early-season boost for the Midland baseball program as they look to build momentum and compete for a conference title. The Warriors had struggled to start the year, so this victory against a highly-touted foe could provide a much-needed confidence lift.

The details

In the win over Loyola, the Warriors got on the board first with an RBI double from Adam Muniz Jr. in the second inning to take a 1-0 lead. Dax Wandler then hit a two-run homer in the same inning to extend the advantage to 3-0. Loyola was able to score single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, but Midland's pitching staff held firm to preserve the one-run victory.

  • The series took place on the weekend of February 14-16, 2026.
  • Game one against Louisiana Christian was played on Friday, February 14.
  • The win over No. 7 Loyola occurred on Saturday, February 15.

The players

Midland University

The baseball team from Midland University, an NAIA school located in Fremont, Nebraska.

Loyola

The No. 7 ranked baseball team from Loyola University, a Division I program in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Owen Kelley

The starting pitcher for Midland University who earned the win, pitching 5 innings and allowing 2 runs.

Brandon Creps

The relief pitcher for Midland University who recorded the save, pitching 2 scoreless innings to close out the game.

Dax Wandler

The Midland University player who hit a 2-run home run in the second inning to give the Warriors a 3-0 lead.

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What they’re saying

“We just keep trying to learn from each game we play, win or lose. Our seniors, Owen Kelley and Brandon Creps, stepped up and made big pitches. Dax had a huge knock, and the defense made some big-time plays. It was an all-around team effort against a really good opponent.”

— Shea Bennett, Head Coach (thebestmix1055.com)

What’s next

Midland will look to build on this momentum as they finish out the weekend series, facing LSU Alexandria on Saturday morning followed by a rematch with Louisiana Christian in the afternoon.

The takeaway

This early-season win over a top-10 ranked opponent is a significant accomplishment for the Midland baseball program, demonstrating their ability to compete with elite teams and potentially positioning them as a team to watch in the NAIA ranks as the season progresses.