RICHMOND, Va. – Eric Ward threw for a career-high 273 yards and three touchdowns to lead Richmond over Maine 44-17 on Saturday.

Ward completed 16 of 25 passes and rushed for 28 yards on seven carries for the Spiders (3-1, 2-0 Colonial Athletic Association). Jordan Mitchell added 139 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions.

Adam Farkes was 20 of 34 passing for 229 yards with two touchdowns and in interception for the Black Bears (2-2, 0-1).

Richmond outgained Maine in total yards – 434-273.

Ward connected with Mitchell for an 87-yard touchdown to give the Spiders a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. After Andrew Howard made field goals of 28 and 38 yards for Richmond, Farkes threw a 14-yard touchdown to Kenneth Fersner to push the Spiders lead to 13-10 in the second.

In the second half, Ward connected with Mitchell and Tre Gray on passing scores of 25 and 34 yards, and Will Healy scored on a 12-yard touchdown run to cap a 31-0 run that sealed the victory for Richmond.

Justin Rogers also had an interception return for a touchdown for the second straight game.

Trinity 17, Bates 7

HARTFORD, Conn. – Junior running backs Oliver Starnes and Robert Jackson rushed for a combined 181 yards and the defense had a strong showing as Trinity defeated Bates 17-7 in the NESCAC season opener.

The Bantams (1-0) built a 10-0 halftime advantage, preventing a late Bates score with an interception after Kyle McAllister recovered a fumble at the 35-yard line.

Bates freshman quarterback Ryan Katon marches the team 70 yards in the fourth quarter for its only touchdown. The score came on Katon;s 20-yard pass to mark Flaherty.