HILLSBORO, Kan. – A career day for Nic Roller on the ground was not enough as the University of Saint Mary Football team fell 24-7 to Tabor College at Joel H Wiens Stadium Saturday afternoon.

The Spires are now 0-7 overall and 0-6 in the KCAC.

Saint Mary had a strong first quarter establishing the ground game early with Roller in the backfield. The Spires forced a turnover on Tabor's first possession, but were unable to capitalize after a missed field goal. The BlueJays added a six-yard touchdown run on their next possession to take an early 7-0 lead.

The Spires went back to the ground on their second possession and it worked as they drove all the way down to the Tabor eight-yard line. A costly turnover would hand the ball back to the BlueJays as the Spires possession stalled. Tabor would lead 7-0 after the first period.

Tabor would score again in the second quarter and took a 14-0 lead at the break. Saint Mary would finally strike paydirt in the third quarter as Roller took a handoff on second down and sprinted 40 yards for the score, with just over six minutes left in the third quarter.

Tabor would take the ensuing kickoff and cash in on a field goal to take a 17-7 lead in the fourth. The Spires tried to make a comeback late, but the BlueJays defense forced two turnovers and held on for the win.

Roller led the Spires with a career high 209 yards on 22 carries, along with a touchdown. Cameron Hudson threw for 59 yards on eight completions. Garrett Carter tallied a team high eight total tackles, while Trey Espy had one interception.

UP NEXT
The Spires return to Berkel Memorial Stadium on Oct. 26 for a game against McPherson College. Kickoff will take place at 1:30 p.m.