LEWISTON, Idaho - For the first time in program history, No. 7 Mid-America Christian (Okla.) earned a victory at the Avista NAIA World Series, defeating No. 4 Doane (Neb.) 7-3 at Harris Field.

Doane struck first in the third when Carter Roth ripped an RBI double to right-center to score Max Harris for a 1-0 lead. Mid-America Christian answered immediately and flipped the game in the fourth when it scored four runs in the frame. Cole Krepcik tied it with a leadoff shot to left, and Frankie Giacalone followed with a drive to right to make it 2-1. The rally continued when Elijah Lee dropped down an RBI sacrifice bunt, then an infield single by Sammy Hallada turned into another run on a throwing error, pushing the Evangels' lead to 4-1.

Doane made it a one-run game in the fifth as Tanner Nelson’s RBI single down the right-field line scored Roth, and Jett Grossart’s RBI single to third brought home Grant Sommers to cut the deficit to 4-3. From there, Mid-America Christian’s pitching settled in, and the offense delivered separation in the seventh frame. Lee came through with a momentous hit, a two-run single to right-center that scored Krepcik and Adam Hanan for a 6-3 advantage. A Doane fielding error allowed an additional run to score, extending the margin to 7-3.

Krepcik powered the Mid-America Christian attack, going a remarkable 5-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Giacalone added a homer and two hits, while Lee drove in three runs. 

On the mound, Ibrahim Gonzalez (12-2) earned the win after allowing three runs over five innings. Mid-America Christian’s bullpen duo of Byron Madero and Gabriel Dixon closed the door, permitting just two hits across the final four frames. Doane starter Broc Songster took the loss (5–1), tagged for four runs (three earned) in 3.1 innings as Doane committed three errors that helped extend innings and add two unearned runs.

With the loss, Doane moves to an elimination game Saturday at 3 p.m. against the loser of No. 1 Taylor (Ind.) and No. 10 William Carey (Miss.). Mid-America Christian remains in the winners bracket and awaits the winner of the Trojans and Crusaders matchup Monday at 3 p.m.