LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — Kennedi Hayes threw three touchdown passes and Southwestern forced a pair of fourth-quarter takeaways to seal an 18-6 win over Saint Mary on Saturday at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.
With the victory, Southwestern improved to (5-3) (5-3), while Saint Mary fell to (1-6) (1-6).
Southwestern struck first midway through the opening quarter when Hayes found Vivianna Solis for a 2-yard touchdown, capping a short drive after the Builders pinned Saint Mary deep in its own territory.
The Builders added to the lead late in the second quarter. Hayes connected on an 18-yard touchdown pass to push the advantage to 12-0 with 1:07 left before halftime. Saint Mary answered just before the break on a touchdown with two seconds remaining to trim the deficit to 12-6 and keep the game within one score.
Southwestern's defense took control from there.
The Builders held Saint Mary scoreless in the second half and came up with key stops as the Spires threatened to swing the momentum. Andrea Moon led the defensive effort with seven tackles and two sacks, while Kennedy Wesley added five tackles. Devina Lytle also contributed to the pressure up front.
After Saint Mary moved into Southwestern territory in the fourth quarter, the Builders forced a turnover on downs with just over seven minutes remaining. Southwestern then put together the game's deciding march, going 59 yards in nine plays before Hayes delivered her third touchdown pass of the day with 1:56 left to make it 18-6.
Moments later, Mary Jones intercepted a Saint Mary pass to stop any late comeback bid. Jones also made a major impact offensively, finishing with five catches for 97 yards and a touchdown.
Hayes paced Southwestern on both sides of the ball. She completed 15 of 20 passes for 146 yards and three scores, rushed for 37 yards, and recovered two fumbles. Solis added six receptions for 35 yards and two touchdowns.
Southwestern finished with 197 total yards and three touchdown receptions, while Saint Mary was limited to 155 yards.
Southwestern will return to action Wednesday, April 1, against Texas Wesleyan University at Stewart Field House. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
