Top-Ranked Braves Too Much for Warriors

OTTAWA, Kan. – Midland University traveled to AdventHealth Field on Saturday afternoon to face top-ranked Ottawa University in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) action. With hopes of an upset, the Warriors were overmatched as the Braves recorded a 48-0 victory.

Ottawa opened the scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Anna Anderson. Following a successful conversion, the Braves led 7-0 with 5:11 remaining in the first quarter. Midland ran nine offensive plays to close the quarter, with Ottawa maintaining the 7-0 advantage.

The Braves extended the lead on a six-play drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown pass from Anderson to Jaida Bayron. After the conversion, Ottawa led 14-0 with 8:28 remaining in the half. Following a Midland punt, the Braves scored on the next play from scrimmage. Anderson connected with Olga Sotillo, who lateraled to Marley Spielberg for a 39-yard touchdown. The conversion made it 21-0 with 5:53 left in the half. Both teams traded possessions before the half ended with Ottawa in front, 21-0.

After both teams exchanged possessions to begin the third quarter, Ottawa struck on a two-play drive as Anderson found Spielberg for a 10-yard touchdown pass. The conversion pushed the lead to 28-0 with 3:54 remaining in the quarter. Midland was unable to convert a first down on its next possession, and the Braves maintained control heading into the fourth.

On the opening play of the fourth quarter, Ottawa converted a fourth-and-goal situation when Anderson connected with Alyssa Linkous for an 8-yard touchdown. The conversion made it 35-0 with 11:56 to play. After another Midland punt, Ottawa scored again on the next play as Anderson hit Bayron, who lateraled to Tatiana Dos Santos for a 30-yard touchdown. The conversion failed, leaving the score at 41-0 with 8:41 remaining.

Midland put together a 10-play drive but turned the ball over on downs at the Ottawa 6-yard line. Seven plays later, Anderson connected with Linkous for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The conversion was successful, extending the lead to 48-0 with 58 seconds remaining. Midland ran five plays before time expired.

Ottawa totaled 377 yards on 43 plays, including 356 passing yards on 32-of-38 attempts. The Braves added 21 rushing yards on five carries. Midland recorded 175 yards on 49 plays, completing 26-of-42 passes for 155 yards while adding 20 rushing yards on seven attempts.

Individually, Anderson finished 31-of-37 passing for 320 yards and six touchdowns, while adding 13 rushing yards and a score. Sotillo led Ottawa with nine receptions for 96 yards. Bayron added five catches for 65 yards and a touchdown, while Spielberg recorded three receptions for 56 yards and two scores. Dos Santos had six catches for 47 yards and a touchdown, and Linkous totaled seven receptions for 41 yards and two touchdowns.

For Midland, Lotta Wulff completed 26-of-42 passes for 155 yards with one interception. Allaya Livingston rushed four times for 10 yards, while Holiness Hodges led the receiving corps with four catches for 37 yards.

Defensively, Ottawa was led by Susann Kaufmann with 10 tackles. Jukanie Washington added six tackles and an interception. Midland was paced by Alyssa Butler with 10 tackles.

Midland (6-5, 5-2 KCAC) returns to action Tuesday, March 31, when it hosts Graceland. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Heedum Field.