BISMARCK, ND – In a game with decisions dictated by near gale force winds out of the west and the need to play for optimal field position, the University of Mary suffered a heartbreaking homecoming loss in double overtime 19-13 to visiting Concordia-St. Paul.
 
With the wind a steady 35 miles per hour gusting over 50 at times, both the Marauders and the Golden Bears found opportunities in regulation to claim a win. After both teams converted field goals in the first overtime to force a second session, the Golden Bears earned the Northern Sun victory on a 7 yard touchdown run by Jaylin Richardson, his second score of the day. A failed 2-point conversion by the Golden Bears left the door open for the Marauders but an interception at the 2 yard line by CSP on a 3^rd and 7 play dashed the Marauders hopes for a win.
 
Taking full advantage of the wind, Jeff Isotalo-McGuire opened the scoring with a 60 yard field goal early in the first quarter with the jet stream howling behind him.
 
Limited to just four possessions in the first half, the Marauders pulled even at 3-3 on their final drive before the half when Kevin Powell drove home a 25 yard field goal with 14 seconds left on the clock.
 
The Marauders took advantage of a major miscue by the Golden Bears to claim their first lead of the day late in the third period. Powell boomed a 49 yard punt with the wind that was muffed by the CSP returner at the Golden Bears 38 yard line and recovered by Matty Horne at the CSP 14. Forced to start their drive at the CSP 29 following a penalty, the Marauder scored seven plays later when Sofian Massoud connected with Karsyn Jablonski on a 4 yard touchdown pass for a 10-3 UMary lead.
 
The Golden Bears gave the Marauders another golden opportunity when CSP fumbled the ball on its next snap. Christian Arteaga forced Richardson to fumble at the CSP 18 yard line. Mason Phillips scooped up the loose ball and returned it to the CSP 6. UMary was unable to add to its lead when a field goal attempt was blocked by the visitors.
 
Richardson capped CSP's next drive with an 11 yard touchdown drive early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 10-10. After UMary was forced to punt on their next possession, CSP was poised to take the lead but Richardson again fumbled, this time forced by Phillips, with the ball rolling through the end zone for a touchback.
 
Forced to play into the wind, UMary's next two drives resulted in punts but the Marauders luck held as the Golden Bears missed a pair of field goals (20 and 47 yards) to send the game into overtime.
 
The Marauders again won the turnover battle, recovering three fumbles while committing just a single turnover. This is the third straight game UMary has forced at least three turnovers. The Marauders had forced the seventh-most number of turnovers in the nation entering the game and now have gained 14 on the year. UMary is now +7 this season in turnovers.
 
Christopher Federico led the Marauders in tackles with 13 (six solo). He shared a tackle for loss and broke up a pass. Tuakoi Mahe added 11 stops. Phillips finished with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
 
Richardson led CSP with 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and 53 receiving yards.
 
The Marauders next visit Winona State University on October 12.
 
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