No. 11 Warriors Sweep Final Day at NAIASB Invitational

Midland University softball team defeats Friends University and Avila University in Oklahoma

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The No. 11-ranked Midland University softball team swept a pair of games on the final day of the NAIASB Invitational in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The Warriors defeated Friends University 6-2 and Avila University 7-0 to improve their record to 8-5 on the season.

Why it matters

The two wins on the final day of the tournament were an important bounce-back for the Warriors, who are looking to build momentum heading into their next tournament appearance. Midland is a highly ranked NAIA program, so these victories against conference opponents demonstrate their ability to compete at a high level.

The details

In the first game, Midland overcame an early bases-loaded jam against Friends University and then pulled away with a four-run fourth inning. Isabelle Pagan hit a solo home run and drove in another run, while Sophie De Rouin and Grace Behrns also had RBI hits. Pitcher Mackenzie Groninga threw a complete game, allowing just two earned runs. Against Avila University, the Warriors jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning and never looked back. Pagan, MaKenna Watkins, and Danielle Schoby all had RBI hits early, and Watkins added a two-run home run in the seventh inning. Pitcher Campbell Petrick bounced back with a two-hit shutout performance.

  • The games were played on February 23, 2026 in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

The players

Midland University

A NAIA college softball program ranked No. 11 in the country.

Friends University

A conference opponent that Midland defeated 6-2 in the first game.

Avila University

Another conference opponent that Midland defeated 7-0 in the second game.

Isabelle Pagan

A Midland player who hit a solo home run and drove in multiple runs across the two games.

MaKenna Watkins

A Midland player who hit a two-run home run in the second game against Avila.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Midland will next compete at the Midwest College Classic Top Gun tournament on February 28-29, facing Bethany, Oklahoma Wesleyan, (RV) Baker, and No. 8 Central Methodist.

The takeaway

Midland's two wins on the final day of the NAIASB Invitational demonstrate the Warriors' ability to bounce back from early struggles and compete at a high level against conference opponents. These victories will provide valuable momentum as Midland prepares for its next major tournament appearance.