MELBOURNE, Fla. --- The Ave Maria offense struggled to move the ball and the Gyrenes were unable to overcome seven turnovers in a 42-6 loss at Florida Tech on Saturday night. The Blue and Green's tour of NCAA affiliated teams will continue next week at NCAA DI FCS Mercer at 6 p.m.
 
Sophomore quarterback Clayton Uecker had a rough night, completing 14-of-29 passes for 141 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.
 
Thomas Zimmer, two receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown, was one of five receivers with two receptions on the night. Caine Foster (2 rec., 32 yards), Ricardo Collier (2 rec., 19 yards), Travis Makauskas (2 rec., 11 yards), and Sage Roberts (2 rec., 8 yards) also had multiple grabs.
 
Lazaro Herrera had 15 rushes for 39 yards to lead the AMU ground game.
 
After allowing 14 points in the first quarter, the Gyrene defense seemed to settle in, holding the Panthers scoreless for the rest of the opening half. But four turnovers deep in AMU territory in the third quarter provided Florida Tech with good field possession and the opportunity to break the game open.
 
Kurt Joseph led the Gyrenes with six total tackles. Jaylen Robinson recorded a team-high four solo tackles including one tackle for a loss of 22 yards.
 
After a Gyrene turnover, Florida Tech opened the scoring with a five-yard touchdown run by Kaleb Leach with 5:52 to play in the first. On the ensuing possession, AMU turned the ball over on down in their own territory which gave the Panthers good field possessions. Florida Tech took advantage on the next play with a 39-yard touchdown pass from Mark Cato to Aaron George.
 
A 14-0 game at the half, Florida Tech scored three touchdowns in the first four minutes of the third quarter, the last on a 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown, to take a 35-0 lead on AMU.
 
The Gyrenes got on the board with 2:13 remaining in the third quarter when Uecker found Zimmer for a 14-yard touchdown pass and catch to cap a 12-play, 60-yard drive.
 
Florida Tech scored its fourth touchdown of the third quarter with 35 seconds left on a 57-yard touchdown reception to George from Cato.
 
Mark Cato finished 10-of-23 for 179 yards with three touchdowns for Florida Tech. Aaron George led all receivers with three receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
 
The Blue and Green face another tough opponent next week when they travel to Macon, Ga., to take on Mercer.