WAYNE, NE – A record-setting performance by University of Mary wide receiver Danny Kittner and a furious second half rally wasn't enough to overcome a first-half deficit in a 34-27 road loss to Wayne State College in the 2021 season opener. Kittner set a Marauders record with 17 receptions as UMary played their first game in 656 days after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 season.
 
Kittner accumulated 202 yards and two touchdowns on his record-setting day. He opened the Marauders scoring in the third quarter with a 47 yard scoring strike from Logan Nelson. The Marauders All-Northern Sun performer later closed out the night's scoring when he hauled in a 15 yard touchdown pass from Nelson on the game's final play. Additionally Kittner also had a 24 yard kick return. The receiving yardage and touchdown receptions were also career-highs for the junior from Gilbert, AZ.
 
The Marauders previous record for receptions in a single game was 13 by Erik Kruse (2008) and Jake Pfau (2002). Kittner's 202 yards ties Tyler Steffan's effort against Bemidji State in 2011 for the second-best mark of the NCAA era for UMary, trailing only Steffan's total of 222 yards against Northern State in 2010.
 
Fellow wideout Luke Little and Nelson also had big nights for the Marauders. An All-NSIC wide receiver, Little had nine catches for 123 yards and two scores. Little hauled home scoring strikes covering 12 and 4 yards in the game. This is the third time in his career Little has caught two touchdowns in a game and his third time exceeding 100 yards.
 
Kittner and Little gave the Marauders their first pair of wide receivers to crack 100 yards in the same game since Jake East (174 yards) and Elby Pope (129) both crossed the century mark against Northern State University on November 1, 2014.  
 
Behind the power of an exceptional second half, Nelson completed 34-of-59 passes for 399 yards and four touchdowns, all career-highs. The senior captain was 27-of-45 for 324 and four scores after intermission as the Marauders fought back.
 
On a rainy day, the Marauders struggled to find their footing in the first half after not playing in nearly 22 months, managing just six first downs and 66 yards of offense. After an explosive second half UMary finished the game with 26 first downs and 403 yards of offense.
 
The Wildcats scored 17 points in the opening half and built a 24-0 lead over the Marauders before UMary found the end zone when Nelson hit Kittner streaking down the left sideline for a 47 yard score.
 
Following a Wayne State field goal, the Marauders closed within 27-14 on an 11 yard touchdown catch by Little, capping a 75 yard drive with 5:47 remaining in the third.
 
Wayne State pushed its advantage to 34-14 with 6:04 left in the game. Refusing to fade away, Little finished off a 73 yard touchdown drive with a 4 yard scoring reception in the back of the end zone with 3:12 on the clock. Kicker Kevin Powell then pulled off an onside kick with UMary recovering at the Wayne State 45. Unable to find a quick strike, the Marauders finished the game with Nelson hitting Kittner for a 15 yard touchdown over the top of the defense on the final play of the night.
 
The Wildcats finished the game with 21 first downs and 456 yards of offense, including 268 in the air. Thirteen of the Wayne State first downs and 242 of the yards came in the first half. Tavian Williams keyed the Wildcats attack, throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns and running for another 46 yards. Trystn Ducker had 111 yards receiving and a touchdown. Defensively Ryan Parker had two of the Wildcats five sacks and Josh Taylor had two tackles for loss.
 
In his debut game for the Marauders, sophomore safety Tylen Small posted 12 tackles for the Marauders. The transfer from South Dakota State also had a tackle for loss. Jack Barry and Collintino Andrews also posted tackles behind the line for UMary. The Andrews stop came on fourth down to halt a Wildcats drive in Marauders territory.
 
UMary returns home to host Augustana on September 11. Kickoff for the Marauders First Responders Recognition Game is set for 2 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl. Tickets can be purchased at www.UMaryTickets.com.
 
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