Baker Women’s Flag Football Earns Thrilling 13-8 Victory over Spires in Inaugural Game

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. - Making its program debut, the Baker women's flag football opened up its inaugural 2024 season with a thrilling 13-8 victory over Saint Mary on a historic Valentine's Day at Liston Stadium.

"It feels so surreal, almost like an out-of-body experience," said Baker head coach Willy Perez. "The moment the team was announced and the national anthem was playing, it was real! All of the hard work and dreaming about this first game was actually happening and to share that experience with this team was really special."

The Wildcats scored both of their touchdowns through the air with a short three-yard grab from Destiny Martinez serving as the first score for Baker's newest program and putting BU on the board first at 6-0 in the second quarter.

After halftime, the Spires took the lead and scored the ensuing two-point try to take an 8-6 lead over BU in the third quarter.

Baker came right back with a big response on the following possession with quarterback Sanija Waller connecting with Kayla Harrison for an explosive touchdown to put the Wildcats back on top.

Martinez added the one-point try for BU after slipping thru the Spires defense to make it, 13-8 in favor of the Wildcats.

The Spires created a little last-minute drama as they tried to put together a game-winning drive, but the BU defense would hold and get a pass break-up on the final play to seal the Wildcats' victory.

Waller threw for all three of Baker's scores in the game with two of them going to Martinez.

Perez also reflected on what it meant to earn a win inside Liston in the inaugural game for Baker.

"That first program win is the toughest, but to get the first win in our inaugural game is just special," added Perez. "Special for the team, the supporters, the school and especially for myself as the coach because I have seen this all come together since my first recruiting trip almost a year ago."

After having their Friday doubleheader at Midland canceled due to weather, the Wildcats' next scheduled game is a home contest with defending national champions Ottawa on Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. inside Liston Stadium.

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