LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – A tight battle between the University of Saint Mary football team and Ottawa University, did not see the first points of the game until the second quarter. The Spires were able to keep pace with the Braves early, but Ottawa eventually pulled away to a 37-14 win Saturday afternoon at Berkel Memorial Stadium.

Saint Mary now stands at 1-4 overall on the season.

The Spires played tough in the first quarter as they were able to pick a pass off from the Braves quarterback, on their first defensive possession. Jaxon Curtis picked the ball off in the endzone to halt the Ottawa drive. Nick Holmes would get the team's second interception of the game on the next Braves possession. However, the Spires were unable to turn either turnover into points as both teams went scoreless in the first period.

After a Spires' punt in the second quarter, the Braves struck first as Derrick Curtis sprinted for 63 yards to the end zone, putting Ottawa up 7-0. Saint Mary later drove the field getting the ball to Ottawa's side of the field, but the Braves forced a turnover and turned that into another seven points on their next possession. Then with roughly two minutes left in the first half, Jalil Grimes found Jordan Hill for nine yards and a score as the Spires trailed 14-7 at halftime.

Saint Mary struggled in the third quarter as they were stopped in their own end zone for a Braves' safety. Ottawa later scored two touchdowns in the quarter and led 30-7 heading to the fourth period. Grimes would find Hill for his second touchdown of the game with 7:30 left, with the team trailing 37-14. The Spires deficit was too much to overcome at that point as Ottawa would win the game.

Jartavious Martin had 129 total yards (95 rushing), while Grimes threw for 85 yards. Rafael Sangines led the defense with 10 total tackles and Zachary Scott had 1.5 sacks.

Saint Mary travels to Lindsborg, Kan. on Oct. 16 to take on Bethany College at 1 p.m.