SALINA, Kan. – Facing their toughest test thus far in the season, the University of Saint Mary football team suffered a loss to No. 11 nationally-ranked Kansas Wesleyan University Saturday evening.
The Spires are now 1-4 on the season and in the KCAC.
GAME FLOW
Saint Mary fell behind early as Kansas Wesleyan jumped out to a 14-0 lead after the first quarter. The Coyotes running back Demarco Pruitt gave the Coyotes their second touchdown of the game with 18 seconds left in the first quarter. He would later score on a six yard run at the 12:03 mark of the second quarter to give KWU a 21-0 lead.
The Spires had one chance to score in the first quarter, but Kansas Wesleyan stopped them short on fourth down at their own three-yard line. Saint Mary's offense struggled to get anything going throughout as Kansas Wesleyan took a 42-0 lead into halftime.
Kansas Wesleyan added two more touchdowns in the third quarter and would wind up winning the game.
KEY STATISTICS
- Spires' quarterback Drew Cortez threw for 195 yards.
- Tae Turner led the receiving corps with 104 yards on four receptions.
- Trey Espy led the Spires with nine total tackles.
- Kansas Wesleyan had 27 first downs compared to 11 for Saint Mary.
- Kansas Wesleyan added 680 total offensive yards.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR THE SPIRES
The Spires return to Berkel Memorial Stadium for their next two games, starting with a matchup against Bethel College on Oct. 13. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and will be nationally televised on ESPN3, as part of the weekly KCAC ESPN3 Game of the Week series.
