FULTON, Mo. - On a day where harsh sunlight and heat bothered athletes all game, William Woods Flag Football remained composed en route to a 38-27 KCAC victory of the Larks of Hesston College, advancing the Owls to 2-3 on the season. A staggering four interceptions and four defensive touchdowns boosted WWU to their second win of the young season.

Hesston College was all but prepared for the Owls' defense after their coin toss result to begin with the football. Before moving the sticks a single time, the Larks were introduced to the blanket that the William Woods would have on the field all game. A 4th and 18 situation resulted in an errant pass from HC, with Meredith Ernst tracking it perfectly. The speedy freshman intercepted the pass and saw open field the whole way, returning the pick for the Owls' first six of the afternoon and her first defensive touchdown. 

Without a moment to think, the Larks were under pressure again at the beginning of their next drive. Hoping to redeem their first mistake, Hesston went back to the passing game. This time, the leader of the Woods' offense, Shamya Williams, displayed two-way talent with an interception of her own, returning the pass the entire 20 for a second WWU touchdown. For the cherry on top, Williams scrambled into the end zone for the extra point, solidifying a 13-0 lead less than three minutes into the game.

Despite the two early interceptions, HC was unrelenting in their game plan. The Larks punched back with a 47 yard chunk play to place them within the final zone immediately. Feeling momentum shift their way, Hesston took a shot at a crossing route near the end zone. Instead of finding a receiver, though, the football found its way into the arms of the Owls for a third time. Olivia Menard committed a grand theft, taking the stolen pass 70 yards and across the goal line, leaving any chasers in the rear view. Combined with their first offensive touchdown of the day from a Nivea Boyd reception, WWU entered halftime with a comfortable 26-7 lead.

In the second, the Larks fought to make the game competitive. Multiple big scores in the 3rd and 4th quarters brought Hesston within striking distance. It was the Woods' quarterback who would put the game away, both on offense and defense. Williams returned a second interception for a touchdown in the second half, and concluded an excellent offensive drive with a pass to a diving Olivia Menard, who finished the highlight in the back of the end zone for six. William Woods would finish on top with a score of 38-27.

Shamya Williams finished the game 18-23 for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns, along with the 2 interceptions and touchdowns on defense. Nivea Boyd led receivers with 4 for 87 and a touchdown, including a long of 41. 

Sam Menard put consistent pressure on the quarterback, managing to rack up 2 sacks. A'Jah Smith followed close behind with a sack of her own. Meredith Ernst dominated in every aspect of defense, leading the team with 8 flag pulls to go with her interception and return.

William Woods Flag Football returns to the North Campus Athletic Complex on Wednesday, March 25th at 6 p.m. for a KCAC matchup with Baker University.

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