BABSON PARK, Fla. – The Thomas University flag football team returned to Warriors Soccer Field Wednesday afternoon to pull off the greatest upset in history yet, defeating defending NAIA National Champion Ottawa (Kan.) 19-7.
 
With the win, Thomas (8-1, 4-1 SUN) became the first-ever team in NAIA flag football history to claim triumph over both NAIA National Championship teams.  Junior Quarterback Shelby Hartley went 21-for-30 throwing 192 yards and three touchdowns.  Graduate Brittney Delva finished the day with eight catches for 106 yards and three touchdowns, while Freshman Margarita Peña had a breakout performance of 5 receptions for 48 yards.
 
Defensively, the Night Hawks kept the Braves (5-2, 3-0 KCAC) to 201 yards passing and under 40 yards on the ground.  Delva led all Night Hawks with 13 flag pulls while Freshman Jaida Reese had four flag pulls and two sacks.
 
Ottawa's opening drive was quick, as the Braves drove the ball into the red zone before Thomas made a defensive stand to keep the Black & Yellow out of the end zone.
 
The first half belonged to Thomas, as Hartley and Delva connected on one score before a Hartley-Peña connection included a pitch to Delva, who took it 33 yards to take a 12-0 lead in to the locker room.
 
In the second half, Thomas continued to put the pressure on the Braves, including driving down the field to reach the Ottawa 19 before a lightning delay halted action with 3:43 remaining in the third quarter.  After a break of over an hour, the Braves managed to make a goal line stand, with an opportunity to get back in the contest.  The Thomas' defense would not give Ottawa that chance, as Freshman Si'Naya Glover picked off OU Quarterback Madysen Carrera to return it 28 yards and just outside the red zone.  A holding call on the Braves would start Thomas inside the 20, as Hartley and Delva would connect a second time before an extra-point reception from Freshman Kiera Knight extended TU's lead 19-0.
 
Ottawa would not go quietly, as late hookup from Carrera to Clara Beaudoin with an extra point brought the Braves' deficit back to 12.  TU would finish the contest running the rock between Sophomore Janae Scott and Freshman Nakerra Brown before a Delva one-handed snag in the red zone solidified Thomas' 19-7 victory.
 
The Night Hawks are back at home Thursday, resuming SUN Conference action against St. Thomas University.  Kickoff is set for 4 p.m.
 
For up-to-date information on games and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU women's flag team by following them via Twitter and/or Instagram at @NightHawksWFlag.