THOMASVILLE, Ga. — St. Thomas defeated Thomas University on Saturday, overcoming the Night Hawks' fast start with a steady passing game and a clamp‑down defense.
Thomas delivered the day's signature moment on the first snap. Quarterback
Destiny Lockett launched a deep ball to
Arie'Yona Christion, who secured the 66‑yard touchdown in double coverage, leaping over a defender before racing to the end zone for a 6–0 lead just 13 seconds into the game.
TU kept pressing in the opening quarter as Lockett later powered in a goal‑line score to reclaim a 12–7 edge. But the Night Hawks struggled to find rhythm after the opening frame, finishing with 277 passing yards, three interceptions and only 7 rushing yards as St. Thomas tilted field position and controlled possession.
St. Thomas answered the early haymaker and methodically pulled in front. Camryn Campbell caught a 6‑yard touchdown from Lia Cruz to tie it in the first, Sherice Newton added a 2‑yard rushing TD at the horn for a 19–12 halftime lead, and Newton later found Jasmine Henry from a yard out midway through the third for the final margin.
Saturday's result ended Thomas University's 26‑game home winning streak, a run that had spanned every home game since the program's launch in 2022 and stood as the second‑longest active streak in the NAIA behind Ottawa University.
Lockett led TU with 192 passing yards, while Christion paced the receivers with 96 yards—including the highlight‑reel opener. TU's defense produced three sacks and one interception from
Dyva Jones.
Next up for Thomas: The Night Hawks head to South Florida for a SUN Conference road swing. They face No. 7 Webber International on Friday, March 27 at 2 p.m. EST, followed by No. 3 Warner on Saturday.
