LEAVENWORTH, Kan. — The Hesston College women’s flag football team earned a narrow 8–7 victory over the University of Saint Mary on Saturday afternoon in a defensive battle at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.
Both teams opened the game trading defensive stops. Hesston’s defense kept the Spires out of the end zone in the first quarter with several tackles and pass breakups that stalled early drives.
The Larks struck first early in the second quarter. Quarterback Alexis Pabon led a drive deep into Saint Mary territory before connecting with Akiva Brown for a two-yard touchdown reception to give Hesston a 6–0 lead. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the Larks with a six-point advantage.
Saint Mary responded later in the quarter with a touchdown drive to even the score. A successful conversion gave the Spires a 7–6 lead heading into halftime.
Defense dominated the third quarter as both teams struggled to find offensive rhythm. Hesston continued to pressure the Saint Mary offense while the Larks’ passing attack moved the ball in short bursts behind Pabon and Brown.
The decisive moment came midway through the fourth quarter. With Saint Mary backed up near its own goal line, the Larks forced a safety to take an 8–7 lead.
Saint Mary made one final push late in the game, driving inside the Hesston red zone in the final minute. The Larks’ defense held strong, stopping the Spires on fourth down to preserve the one-point victory.
Pabon finished 26-of-45 passing for 158 yards and one touchdown. Brown was the Larks’ top receiver with 14 catches for 91 yards and the touchdown. Tianna McPherson added four receptions for 21 yards, while Liliana Espinoza finished with three catches for 19 yards.
Defensively, Mikayla Lucas led Hesston with four flag pulls. Tianna McPherson and Liliana Espinoza each recorded three tackles, while Akiva Brown added two tackles and an interception. The Larks totaled 15 team tackles in the victory.
Hesston will return home Wednesday, March 11, when the Larks host Kansas Wesleyan.
