Salina, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Football team traveled to play Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday, resulting in a 17-14 loss. The Spires are now 2-6 overall and 0-2 in the Bissell Division. 

The Coyotes scored on the game's first drive, going 44 yards in four plays to take a 7-0. Saint Mayr went three and out, but their fortunes turned after Keylin Hodge intercepted a pass to give the offense a short field. It took Erick Covington and company just one play to score, hitting Michael Gazzana for a 36-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven. Both teams traded punts until Kansas Wesleyan kicked a field goal to take a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.  

Adriano Ortiz gave the ball back to the Spires in two consecutive drives with interceptions, but the score held at 10-7. Saint Mary had one more chance to score with under two minutes left in the half, but the drive stalled around the Coyotes 40-yard line. 

Saint Mary and Kansas Wesleyan traded punts for the entire third quarter, and the score remained at 10-7. The Coyotes drive down the field to begin the final quarter of play, but the Spire defense held, blocking the KWU field goal. Saint Mary responded with a 13-play, six-minute, 90-yard touchdown drive to make it a one-score game at 17-14. However, the Spires did not hold the Kansas Wesleyan offense to force a punt, allowing the Coyotes to run out the clock. 

Offensively, Covington put up 223 passing yards, while Gazzana had eight receptions for over 100 yards on the night. Devonte Foster led the defensive unit with 13 tackles and a tackle for loss.

Up Next

The Spires will be on the road to play Sterling College at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Sterling, Kansas.