HESSTON, Kan. — The Hesston College women's flag football team battled through a defensive contest Wednesday evening but fell to Southwestern College 12–6 in overtime.
Both teams traded possessions throughout the first half as defenses controlled the tempo. Hesston's defense came up with several key stops early, including a drive where Emma Pfannenstiel recorded a tackle for loss and Destiny Ortiz helped force a turnover to keep the game scoreless after two quarters.
The Larks generated several offensive opportunities behind quarterback Alexis Pabon, who connected with Akiva Brown and Liliana Espinoza on short completions to move the chains. However, Southwestern's defense forced turnovers on downs and came away with two interceptions to keep Hesston off the scoreboard in the opening half.
Southwestern broke through first midway through the third quarter with a touchdown pass to take a 6–0 lead.
Hesston responded with its most sustained drive of the game early in the fourth. Starting deep in their own territory, the Larks marched 66 yards on a 12-play drive. Pabon completed passes to Lauren Payne and Brown to move into Southwestern territory before finding Payne for an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 6–6. The extra point attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the teams even heading into the final minutes.
Both defenses continued to hold firm late in regulation, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, Hesston was unable to convert on its possession after Southwestern's defense recorded a sack and forced an incomplete pass on fourth down. The Moundbuilders then capitalized on their opportunity, completing a short touchdown pass to secure the 12–6 victory.
Pabon finished 21-of-32 passing for 170 yards and one touchdown. Payne led the receiving corps with four catches for 62 yards and the score, while Brown added five receptions for 38 yards. Espinoza contributed six catches for 24 yards as the Larks totaled 170 passing yards.
Defensively, Ortiz led Hesston with seven flag pulls and an interception. Mikayla Lucas added six tackles, Brown recorded five flag pulls and Pfannenstiel finished with four tackles as the Larks held Southwestern to 194 total yards in the closely contested matchup.
Hesston will look to bounce back Saturday, March 7, when the Larks travel to the University of Saint Mary for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
