BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — Southwestern College produced several standout individual performances Saturday afternoon, but Baker's explosive offense proved difficult to contain as the Wildcats defeated the Builders 53-20 in a KCAC flag football matchup at Liston Stadium.
With the result, Southwestern falls to 3-2 overall and 3-2 in conference play, while Baker improves to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the KCAC.
Southwestern moved the ball effectively through the air and finished with 275 total yards, including 273 passing yards from quarterback Kennedi Hayes. The Builders also forced two turnovers and showed resilience with multiple scoring drives despite falling to Baker, which totaled 529 yards of offense.
Hayes led Southwestern's offense with a strong performance, completing 27 of 38 passes for 273 yards and three touchdowns. Her top target was Mary Jones, who recorded six receptions for 106 yards and two touchdowns while also making a major impact defensively.
Jones intercepted two passes and returned them for 20 yards, helping stall a pair of Baker drives.
Southwestern struck with one of the game's biggest plays late in the first quarter. Facing a two-score deficit, Hayes connected with Jones for a 62-yard touchdown pass with 2:06 remaining in the opening period, cutting Baker's lead to 14-7.
Jones added her second touchdown midway through the third quarter, capping a 12-play, 66-yard drive with a 3-yard reception from Hayes. The possession lasted more than six minutes and showcased Southwestern's ability to sustain drives with its passing attack.
The Builders added another scoring play in the fourth quarter when Hayes found Aiyanna Sims for a 38-yard touchdown pass. Sims finished with two catches for 52 yards and a touchdown while also contributing six tackles on defense.
Vivianna Solis also turned in an all-around performance with eight receptions for 52 yards and six tackles. Devina Lytle added five catches for 39 yards and converted a point-after kick.
Defensively, Kennedy Wesley led Southwestern with seven tackles, while Sims and Solis each recorded six stops. Andrea Moon contributed four tackles and a sack for a six-yard loss.
Baker built an early lead behind its high-powered offense. Mahagonay Simmons caught two first-quarter touchdown passes, and quarterback Tara Llorente added a 52-yard rushing touchdown as the Wildcats took a 20-7 lead after the opening period.
The Wildcats extended their advantage in the second quarter with touchdown passes from Alejandra Ramos and Llorente to push the halftime score to 35-7.
Baker finished with 247 rushing yards and 282 passing yards. Llorente led the ground attack with 150 rushing yards and two touchdowns while also throwing for 126 yards and two scores.
Southwestern's defense generated several key moments, including Jones' interceptions and Moon's late second-quarter sack that stopped a Baker drive, but the Wildcats continued to find explosive plays on offense.
The Builders will return home on Monday against the Bethel College Threshers at Stewart Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
