Newton, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Spires took on the Bethel Threshers Saturday, resulting in a 51-21 loss. Saint Mary is now 3-7 overall and 3-6 in conference play heading into a senior day matchup with Tabor College.

Saint Mary started the game with the ball but was forced to punt after the drive stalled. The ensuing Bethel possession was halted thanks to great defensive play from the Spires as they held the Threshers on a 4th and 1. The second quarter started with a missed field goal by Bethel to keep the score tied at 0-0. Saint Mary then threw an interception that set Bethel up to score, giving them the 7-0 lead. The next Spire possession resulted in a safety after a special teams error, making the score 9-0. Landon Beecham intercepted a Bethel pass on the following drive and returned it for a touchdown to put Saint Mary on the board and down two points, 9-7.

Bethel wasted no time coming out of halftime as they scored on their opening drive to go up 16-7. The following drive resulted in a missed field goal attempt for the Spires to keep the score 16-7. Bethel missed a field goal of their own on the ensuing drive. With two minutes to go in the quarter, the Threshers again found the endzone to put them up 23-7. Saint Mary responded as Shane Bishop hit Orian Wormley for a 59-yard touchdown pass to help make the score 23-14. Saint Mary opted for an onside kick that Bethel returned for a touchdown to make the score 30-14. Saint Mary responded again as Bishop found Andrew Roland for a 61-yard score to cut the Thresher lead to 30-21. Another Bethel score on the next possession made it 37-20 as that was all the Threshers needed to win the game. A couple of last-minute scores by Bethel made the final 51-21.

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Saint Mary will host Tabor College for Senior day at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Charles J. Berkel Memorial Stadium.