WEST PALM BEACH, FL  |  The #3 Night Hawks opened up defense of their Sun Conference Tournament Championship with a blowout victory over #6 Reinhardt, 42-0, at Keiser Multi-Purpose Field in West Palm Beach, FL. 

After stopping Reinhardt on their first possession, Thomas took less than two minutes to march down the field and score their first touchdown of the day.  2^nd Team All-Sun Conference Quarterback, Alexa Wilson, found the wide-open 2^nd Team All-Sun Conference Wide Receiver, Aliyah Wood, for score, to cap off a 3 play, 41-yard drive, in only 1:41 (PAT failed).
After forcing a three-and-out, the Night Hawks needed four plays, to once again cover 41-yards, and another score.  1^st Team All-Sun Conference Utility Player, Kiana Acol, caught the pass from Wilson (PAT failed).  At the end of the 1^st quarter, Thomas led 12-0.

The Sun Conference Defensive Player of the Year, Gisele Jones, intercepted an Eagle pass, on the first play of the 2^nd quarter, to set up the Night Hawks with possession in the red zone.  On a 4^th-and-goal, Wilson would hit Acol, for the second time in the end zone.  (PAT Wilson pass to Nakerra Brown). 

1^st Team All-Sun Conference Cornerback, Maddie Hougland, would collect an interception on the next Reinhardt possession, but the Night Hawks would be unable to score.

1^st Team All-Sun Conference Rusher, Kaitlyn Herb, would help the Night Hawks make up for the failed opportunity, on defense.  During the next drive, Herb would pick up her third sack of the day, with the flag pull in the opponent's end zone, good for the safety and score two points.  On the ensuing drive, Thomas would drive 50 yards in six plays, for another score.  Wilson would throw her fourth touchdown pass of the half.  Kiera Knight would catch the 15-yard touchdown pass.  (PAT Wilson pass to Brown). 

Thomas would lead 28-0 at halftime.  The Night Hawks would outgain the Eagles 161-19, in the first half.

Thomas would open up the 3^rd quarter, with a drive that took most of the quarter. With the reserve unit in the game, Thomas would march 66 yards, and consume 9:18 off the clock.  The drive was assisted by three Reinhardt defensive penalties.  Tara Llorente would complete a 4-yard pass to Sha'Miyah Coward for the score.  After another Eagle penalty on the PAT, the same combination would score the extra-point, extending the Night Hawk lead to 35-0.

The Night Hawk defense would force a turnover on downs to complete the 3^rd quarter.

The Night Hawks would add their final touchdown of the day, as Llorente a five play, 39-yard drive to open the 4^th quarter.  Shelby Hartley would catch Llorente's 3-yard touchdown pass.  Diva Jones would catch the pass for the PAT, to bring the score to 42-0.

The two teams would trade two possessions, each, to close out the game, with neither team scoring.

Thomas would finish the day with 259 total yards of offense, while giving up only 68 yards.  Kiana Acol would end the day with two of four of Alexa Wilson's touchdown passes.  Kiera Knight and Aliyah Wood would be on the receiving end of the other two Wilson touchdown passes.  Tara Llorente would toss two touchdown passes, one each to Sha'Miyah Coward and Shelby Hartley.

Defensively, Maddie Hougland would lead the team with six flag pulls and an interception.  Kaitlyn Herb would add five flag pulls of her own, including three sacks (one for a safety).  Gisele Jones would also haul in an interception, and Dyva Jones would have two tackles-for-loss.

The Night Hawks advance to face #2 seeded Warner, on Friday, at 3pm. For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com.