Leavenworth, Kan.— The Spires built the lead early, answered William Woods' only scoring push, and closed with the final touchdown in a 25-6 win this afternoon at Berkel Memorial. USM got the decisive separation in the second quarter on
Kyendra Thomas' 63-yard touchdown pass to
Demi Hylton, then controlled the game the rest of the way behind a defense that limited the Owls to 52 total yards.
The Spires struck first at the 4:59 mark of the first quarter when Thomas found
Aiva Lavea for a 3-yard touchdown pass. WWU answered with its lone score later in the opening quarter, cutting it to 6-6 after a touchdown credited to Williams. USM regained control in the second quarter when Hylton broke free for the game's longest play, a 63-yard scoring catch from Thomas with 8:12 left. The extra point was good, giving the Spires a 13-6 lead going into the half.
Saint Mary added to the margin in the third quarter on
Kerisma Delgado's 6-yard rushing touchdown with 4:23 remaining. The Spires then finished the scoring in the fourth, when Thomas was credited with a short touchdown on a two-play drive with 8:24 left, making it 25-6. That late score capped a balanced offensive day for USM, which produced two passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
Thomas led the Spires on multiple fronts, completing 12 of 25 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing 17 times for 59 yards and a score. Hylton's reception accounted for 63 yards and a touchdown, while Delgado turned her lone carry into a 6-yard score. Saint Mary finished with 193 total yards on 46 plays and held possession for 34:08.
The defense set the tone as much as the offense. The Spires recorded nine sacks for 57 yards in losses and held William Woods to 1.2 yards per play. The Owls managed just 13 completions for 96 passing yards. Williams accounted for the visitors' touchdown and finished 13 of 29 through the air for 96 yards, while Menard had three receptions for 23 yards and posted four sacks defensively.
By the end of the afternoon, the scoreboard reflected the way USM took control on their home turf. USM would prove more efficient with their chances, committed only two penalties for 13 yards, and never allowed William Woods to score after the opening quarter. Thomas' late rushing touchdown provided the final margin and sent the Spires out with a complete, four-quarter result.
