WINFIELD, Kan. — Texas Wesleyan University (2-2) fell to Southwestern (Kan.) (6-3) with a final score of 26-0. Despite the loss, Texas Wesleyan's defense managed to secure one interception and recorded two QB flag pulls for a loss. Southwestern (Kan.) capitalized on its offensive opportunities, scoring three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown, and maintained control of the game with 252 total offensive yards.
The first quarter began with Texas Wesleyan University receiving the kickoff. Texas Wesleyan's defense showed early strength by limiting Southwestern (Kan.) to negative yardage on their initial plays. However, Southwestern managed to break through with an 80-yard touchdown, despite missing the extra-point try, taking a 6-0 lead. Texas Wesleyan's offense attempted to respond, but penalties hindered progress.
Destinee Hernandez connected with
Mikaela Nunez and
Avah Alexander for short gains, yet the drive stalled without scoring. Southwestern capitalized on their next possession with a 29-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 12-0 after another missed extra-point try. As the first quarter closed, Texas Wesleyan's offensive struggles continued, unable to gain significant ground. Southwestern maintained its advantage, ending the quarter with a 12-0 lead.
In the second quarter, Texas Wesleyan University made a strong defensive stand early, as Vaugh Aden and
Avah Alexander contributed key flag pulls to halt Southwestern (Kan.)'s momentum. However, an interception by Lilibeth Rico at 7:45 shifted possession back to Southwestern (Kan.), which they capitalized on with a touchdown pass from Kennedi Hayes to Mary Jones at 4:22, followed by a successful extra-point try. Texas Wesleyan's offense made significant strides with a 28-yard pass from
Destinee Hernandez to Nunez, showing their potential to advance downfield. Despite this effort, the quarter ended with an interception by Mary Jones, which kept the score unchanged in favor of Southwestern (Kan.). The quarter concluded with Southwestern holding a 19-0 lead.
In the third quarter, Texas Wesleyan University began with possession but faced challenges early.
Isabel Ibarra's passing attempts were disrupted, resulting in a punt after a QB flag pull for a loss by Andrea Moon. Southwestern (Kan.) then took control but was quickly contained by a QB flag pull for a loss from Ibarra, forcing them to punt. Texas Wesleyan regained possession, with Ibarra connecting a crucial pass to Alexander for a fresh set of downs. Ibarra later found
Ti'yanna Johnson for an 11-yard gain, but a subsequent flag pull for a loss led to another punt. The quarter ended with the teams unable to alter the score, maintaining a 19-0 lead for Southwestern (Kan.).
Texas Wesleyan University faced a challenging fourth quarter against Southwestern (Kan.). The quarter opened with a pivotal defensive play from
Jocelynn McCrae, who broke up a pass intended for Jones. Despite Texas Wesleyan's efforts, Southwestern managed to extend its lead with a touchdown by Moon, followed by a successful extra-point try, bringing the score to 26-0 in favor of the home team. Later in the quarter, Hernandez's pass was intercepted by Jones, further complicating the visitor's comeback efforts. Hernandez connected with
Addison Pereyda and Nunez for short gains, but the drive ultimately stalled following a QB flag pull for a loss by Moon. Southwestern (Kan.) closed the quarter by maintaining possession, sealing a 26-0 victory.
Nunez made a significant impact with an interception and added 39 receiving yards on five catches. Hernandez completed 14 of 23 passes for 69 yards but was intercepted three times. Johnson recorded 14 receiving yards on three receptions, contributing to the team's passing game. Ibarra was versatile, completing three passes for 10 yards and recording a flag pull for a loss on defense.
The Rams face off in a doubleheader with Cottey College and Pratt on April 12 next before returning home for their final regular season games.