LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's flag football team defeated the University of Saint Mary 53-0 on Monday night at Charles Berkel Memorial Stadium.

The OU defense forced a punt on Saint Mary's first offensive possession of the game and the Brave offense took over on the USM 35 yard line with 10:08 to go in the first quarter.

Ottawa took advantage of the excellent field position and Madysen Carrera threw a 10 yard touchdown pass to Jazlyn Camacho. The extra point attempt was no good and with 4:30 on the clock, Ottawa had a 6-0 lead over the Spires.

The Braves' defense forced a second straight punt by the Spires and the OU offense took over on the USM 25 yard line with 2:06 remaining in the first quarter. All it took was one play for the Braves to find the end zone. Carrera threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Alyssa Linkous. The extra point attempt was good and with 1:55 on the clock, OU led 13-0.

On USM's next offensive possession of the game, the OU defense forced a turnover. Taliyah McInnis intercepted the ball, returning it to the Spire 36 yard line.

Ottawa completed the scoring drive with a Carrera to Linkous 15 yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt was no good and the Braves led 19-0 with 9:00 left in the half.

The OU defense continued its dominate performance. Ottawa forced a Spire punt and the Braves took over on the Spire 23 yard line. Five plays later, the Braves were in the end zone. Carrera threw a one yard touchdown pass to Jazlyn Camacho. Carrera's extra point attempt was good and OU had a 27-0 lead with 1:46 remaining in the second quarter.

USM was not able to run out the clock and the Ottawa's defense forced a turnover on downs, giving the Brave offense the ball on Spire 37 yard line with seven seconds on the clock. Carrera threw a 37 yard touchdown pass to Jaida Brown as the buzzer sounded and the Braves took a 33-0 lead into the locker room.

The Braves received the ball to start the second half and OU extended its lead over the Spires. Carrera threw a nine yard touchdown pass to Camacho. Addison Orsborn's extra point attempt was good and OU had a 40-0 lead with 10:08 left in the third quarter.

Just three plays into the Spires first drive of the second half the OU defense came away with the turnover. McInnis earned her second interception of the game, returning the ball to the USM 35 yard line. The Spires committed a penalty the OU took over on the Saint Mary 32 yard line.

It did not take long for the Braves to extend its lead, four plays, and the Braves were in the end zone. Carrera crossed the goal line from one yard out and OU led 46-0 with 5:20 to go in the fourth quarter.

Ottawa's defense again forced a Spire turnover. Cynthia Homs intercepted the pass and returned the ball to the Spire 12 yard line. Carrera connected with Linkous for the 12 yard touchdown pass. The extra point attempt was good and OU took the lead and the game 53-0.

Inside the Box Score

• Ottawa finished the game with 297 yards of offense, 287 through the air and 10 yards rushing. Saint Mary had 118 yards of offense, 146 yards passing and (-)28 yards rushing.
• Madysen Carrera was 18-for-23 through the air for 275 yards and seven touchdowns.
• Jazlyn Camacho led OU with five receptions for 85 yards and three touchdowns.
• Alyssa Linkous had four receptions for 64 yards and three touchdowns.
• Leilani Caamal led OU with five flag pulls. She had 1.5 sacks, one interception, and one pass break up.
• Dejonice Parris finished the game with three flag pulls.

Who is Next
Ottawa (7-0, 4-0) returns to the field on Tuesday, March 12 in North Newton, Kan. against Bethel College. Game time is set for 6:00 p.m.