Box Score Bismarck, ND – Thunder and lightning above the field delayed the start of the University of Mary and Minnesota State University, Mankato season opener by 90 minutes. It was a couple lightning bolts by the second ranked Mavericks on the field that denied the Marauders an upset bid in U-Mary's 34-21 loss to MSU.
 
Two first quarter touchdown passes from Craig Bagnell to Nick Jolliffe allowed the Marauders to keep pace with the Mavericks early but two MSU pass completions of at least 49 yards or more and a 72 yard interception return for a touchdown ensured a win for the defending Northern Sun champion.
 
In a wide open opening stanza, both teams posted a pair of touchdowns. MSU drove the opening kickoff 75 yards for a score, culmination with a sensational catch in the right corner of the end zone by Kyle Riggott on a John Wolf pass from 23 yards out.
 
The Marauders quickly evened the game when Bagnell connected with Jolliffe in the end zone from 24 yards out. The 76 yard drive totaled six plays.
 
Minnesota State moved ahead 14-7 when Thomas Conner broke free for a 12 yard touchdown run, capping a 77 yard drive.
 
After both teams failed to move the ball on their next possessions, Elby Pope returned a punt 21 yards to the Minnesota State 33 yard line to set up the Marauders next score. Following a seven yard pass reception by Jonah Hoe and a 19 yard completion to DJ Young, Bagnell found Jolliffe from five yards out to tie the game 14-14 with 10 seconds left in the first quarter.
 
A 45 yard field goal by All-American Sam Brockshus pushed MSU back in front 17-14 with 7:57 remaining in the half. A little later a 53 yard pass reception by Keyvan Rudd set up a four yard scoring run by Wolf and increased the Maverick lead to 24-14 with only 1:33 left.
 
Another 30 minute lightning delay occurred just seconds later. Officials decided to take the intermission break with 1:19 left in the opening half. After the delay and finishing the remaining 79 seconds of the game, the two teams moved right into the third quarter.
 
The next big lightning strike for the Mavericks occurred halfway through the third period. With the Marauders driving, Nathan Hancock made a leaping interception at the MSU 28 yard line and weaved his way 72 yards for the touchdown, increasing the Mavericks advantage to 31-14.
 
Not done yet, another big punt return by Pope set up the next Marauders score. A 34 yard return by Pope put the ball at the MSU 47. Aided by three defensive penalties, Bagnell connected with Pope for a three yard scoring strike. With 4:45 remaining, U-Mary was within 31-21.
 
One final lighting strike by the Mavericks sealed their win. On second and 12, Wolf found Austin Reider downfield for a 49 yard gain, setting up a 37 yard field goal by Brochshus with two minutes left in the game.
 
The Marauders captain to captain connection resulted in eight catches for 87 yards and two scores for Jolliffe. Young caught four balls for 48 yards.
 
Bagnell completed 23-of-43 passes for 243 yards and three scores with one interception. The senior also led the team in rushing with 17 yards.
 
Tyler Ryan had a big day punting for U-Mary. The all-conference kicker averaged 51.8 yards per punt on seven attempts. He blasted one ball 75 yards.
 
Defensively the Marauders held one of the nation's leading offenses a year ago to 16 first downs, 127 yards rushing and 376 yards of total offense.
 
John Oyloe led U-Mary with three tackles for loss, including two sacks. Grant Singer paced all players with nine tackles. He also had 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack. CJ Dreakford also added two tackles for loss. Overall the Marauders had 11 stops behind the line.
 
Wolf led the Mavericks attack with 249 yards passing and 47 yards rushing. The senior quarterback was 13-of-20 with a score and an interception. He was sacked four times.
 
The Marauders (0-1 overall / 0-1 NSIC) next face Wayne State College on the road when U-Mary faces the Wildcats September 14.
 
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