Thomas (19-2, 9-1 SUN) defeated Sun Conference rival Keiser (11-6, 7-3 SUN), 20-7, to play their way into the NAIA Flag Football Championship Game. The victory in the elimination game means that the Night Hawks will face the only undefeated team in flag football, the Ottawa (KS) Braves in the championship game, scheduled for later today at 2:30 PM, in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Gisele Jones led the Night Hawks defense with three interceptions.
The Night Hawks got off to a slow start, throwing an interception on the first play of the game. But
Gisele Jones would pay the Seahawks back, with an interception of her own, to stop Keiser's drive. Jones would end the day with three interceptions, with all three gathered in the Seahawk red zone.
Both teams would remain scoreless in the first period, of the early defensive battle. Thomas would finally break through, midway in the 2nd quarter, when
Kiana Acol capped off an eight-play, 67-yard drive, that took 5:07 off of the clock, with a 2-yard touchdown run (conversion failed). TU6 KU 0.
The Night Hawks would score on their next drive, this time a much quicker, as they covered 41-yards in only 1:18. Acol would once again end the drive by rushing 5-yards for the score (conversion good). TU 13 KU 0.
Thomas would add their final touchdown, in the 3rd quarter, by going 27 yards in 3:06. Acol would scamper 1-yard for the score (conversion good). TU 20 KU 0.
Thomas would give up a touchdown mid-way through the 4th quarter to complete the scoring. TU 20 KU 7.
NOTES
- Keiser out gained Thomas on offense 266 yards to 245 yards.
- Thomas rushed for 64 yards, while holding Keiser to -7 yards rushing.
- Alexa Wilson was 22/34 for 181 yards and one interception.
- Kiana Acol rushed for 39 yards on 12 carries.
- The Night Hawks had three receivers with five or more catches: Kiana Acol 5/56 yards, Nakerra Brown 5/30 yards, and Brittney Delva 5/52 yards.
- Four Night Hawks had five or more flag pulls: Aliyah Wood, 7; Brittney Delva, 5; Jaida Reese, 5; and Janae Scott, 5.
- Jaida Reese totaled three sacks while Gisele Jones contributed three interceptions.
Follow Thomas Flag Football at
https://tunighthawks.com/sports/womens-flag-football for updates on the Night Hawks pursuit of a National Championship. For complete coverage of Night Hawks Athletics, please visit
www.tunighthawks.com to stay updated with the latest news, scores, game previews and recaps. Follow the Night Hawks on social media at @TU_Night_Hawks (Twitter), @tunighthawks (Instagram), and @thomasuniversityathletics (Facebook).
