LAMONI, Iowa — The Hesston College flag football team competed in the Spring Sting Showdown hosted by Graceland University, facing Midland and host Graceland over the weekend.
Midland 39, Hesston 0
Midland struck quickly and controlled the game from the outset, scoring twice in the first quarter on long touchdown passes to take an early 13–0 lead.
Hesston showed flashes offensively, highlighted by a 43-yard completion from Vari Rua to Akiva Brown that moved the Larks deep into Midland territory in the first quarter. Despite the drive, Hesston was unable to convert into points.
Midland extended its lead in the second quarter with another long touchdown pass, pushing the score to 20–0 at halftime. The Warriors continued to find success through the air in the second half, adding touchdowns in both the third and fourth quarters.
Alexis Pabon led the Larks through the air, completing 25 passes for 162 yards, while Brown paced the receiving group with 142 yards. Defensively, Emma Pfannenstiel recorded a sack, and Trinity Garcia added an interception.
Graceland 38, Hesston 6
The Larks faced host Graceland in their second game of the weekend, with the Yellowjackets using a big second quarter to take control.
Graceland opened the scoring in the first quarter before erupting for 25 points in the second, capitalizing on turnovers and short fields to build a 31–0 halftime lead.
Hesston continued to battle throughout the second half, moving the ball through the air behind Pabon. The Larks broke through in the fourth quarter with a six-play, 50-yard drive capped by a touchdown pass from Pabon to Liliana Espinoza to get on the board.
Pabon finished with 204 passing yards and a touchdown, while Espinoza led receivers with eight catches for 64 yards and the score. Akiva Brown and Vari Rua also contributed with key receptions to move the offense.
Defensively, the Larks recorded multiple takeaways, including interceptions by Vari Rua, Emma Pfannenstiel and Lauren Payne.
Hesston will close out the regular season on Saturday, April 18 on the road against Pratt Community College.
