SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Opening the season on the road against one of the top teams in the nation placed the University of Mary behind the eight ball before the game even started. And once the contest kicked off, the Marauders could never find a clean shot in a 55-7 loss to 10^th ranked University of Sioux Falls.
 
The first meeting in Sioux Fall, S.D., between the Marauders and the Cougars since the two squads met in the 1998 NAIA playoffs, the home team grabbed control early and didn't let up until the final quarter.
 
Using a combination of Marauders turnovers and excellent field position, the Cougars posted 21 points in the opening quarter, 13 in the second and 21 in the third.
 
Sioux Falls received the ball to open the game and scored on its first possession when Luke Papillion hit Nick Stanke for a 22 yard touchdown pass. After U-Mary was forced to go 3-and-out on its first possession, the Marauders returned the favor and did the same to the Cougars.
 
The next Marauders possession ended with a Zach Roberson interception. Taking over at the Marauders 34 yard line, the Cougars needed just eight plays to find the end zone. A short punt on U-Mary's subsequent possession allowed USF to begin again with a short field, starting a second straight drive at the Marauders 34. One play later Papillion connected with Brady Rose for a score and a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
Two more miscues for U-Mary – a blocked field goal attempt and a fumble – led to two Sioux Falls touchdowns in the second quarter and essentially sealed the win for the Cougars.
 
The Marauders broke onto the scoreboard in the fourth quarter behind the efforts of two senior team captains. Seth Walton picked off a pass at the U-Mary 15 yard line. The linebacker returned the ball 39 yards before he was knocked out of bounds at the USF 46. Running back Adam Woroniecki then carried the ball on six of the next eight plays, crashing into the end zone from 2 yards out with 4:33 left in the game.
 
Woroniecki led the Marauders offense with 53 yards rushing on 20 carries. He also caught a pass for five yards. Zach Graves added 34 yards rushing in his Marauders debut.
 
Catching the first passes of his collegiate career, sophomore wide receiver Brennan Doan had five grabs for 60 yards, both team highs. Joey Vrooman added three receptions for 25 yards.
 
Walton had a big day defensively for U-Mary. The Helena, Mont., native recovered a fumble, returned an interception 39 yards, broke up a pass and had 1.5 tackles for loss. He made seven total tackles (five solo). Preston Tescher led the team with eight tackles. Danielle Whitaker also had an interception for U-Mary.
 
Paplillion led the USF offense, rushing for 65 yards and passing for 266. The reigning NSIC Offensive Player of the Year completed 15-of-26 passes for three scores.
 
The Marauders now prepare for their home opener when Upper Iowa University visits the MDU Resources Community Bowl at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12.
 
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