Women’s Flag Football edged by Milligan and Campbellsville in Home Opener
WEST POINT, Ga. (Feb. 24, 2024) - The Point University Women's Flag Football returned to the field on Saturday afternoon for their home opener against Milligan University and Campbellsville University. The Skyhawks fell to the Buffaloes 14-0 and the Tigers 22-21.
Game One vs. Milligan (14-0, Loss)
The Buffaloes opened the first quarter with a quick rushing attack to surge their way into the endzone. Milligan added a one-point conversion to bring their early lead to 7-0. Point did not shy away as the offense cooked up quick passes and runs to move the ball but would be unable to get into the endzone. The Buffaloes looked to add another score with a pass through the middle but a pass breakup from Darcee Wright resulted in an interception caught by Maddy Motz. The second half opened with Milligan adding another touchdown and conversion to increase the lead to 14-0. Point looked to get their rhythm going in the air but the Buffaloes were able to force two turnovers to earn the win over the Skyhawks.
Game Two vs. Campbellsville (22-21, Loss)
The Tigers opened the game by moving the ball in the air and on the ground which resulted in Campbellsville earning the first touchdown. The Skyhawks did not shy away from the moment and regrouped as quick passes to Leah Prather and Kyra Hart helped move the ball. Maddy Motz made program history as she ran into the endzone for the first touchdown in program history. Point would be unable to tie the game on the one-point conversion to trail 7-6. Campbellsville looked to challenge Point's defense in the air which was put on display that featured multiple passes in the air. The final play on the drive resulted in a quick pass and catch to the Tiger receiver to put Campbellsville in the lead 14-6 to go into halftime. Point elevated their play which started with an interception from Alexandria Jackson to wake up the crowd. Point's offense opened the gate for a tight game as Caitlin Raynor dialed it up for a deep bomb to Maddy Motz for the touchdown. Motz followed with a run in the endzone for the one-point conversion for Point to trail 14-13. The Tigers followed with another touchdown in the back corner of the endzone and added a two-point conversion to lead 22-13. The game picked up in the fourth quarter as Point's defense saw Ester Udo earn a sack along with Laynie-Grace Benefield breaking on the pass for the deflection. The River Bowl Stadium roared as Kyra Hart scored on a pitch to the endzone to bring the score to 22-19. On the two-point conversion, the Skyhawks added momentum with a Caitlin Raynor pass to Alejah Nathan in the endzone to bring Campbellsville's lead to one. The Tigers looked to move to ball to wipe away the momentum but the Skyhawks held their own to force Campbellsville to punt. On the final drive, Maddy Motz opened the drive for the rush to give the Skyhawks a first down to keep the drive alive. As the final two passes were thrown, the Tigers were able to force incompletions and hold their own to win the game with a final score of 22-21.
Historic Firsts
Maddy Motz scored the first touchdown in program history in the game against Campbellsville on a 10-yard rush. Alexandria Jackson and Maddy Motz also were the first two players in Women's Flag Football to collect an interception. Alejah Nathan and Ester Udo enter program history with both recording flag pulls for losses and sacks. Caitlin Raynor added the first passing touchdown for the program with the pass being 25+ yards.
Up Next
The Skyhawks return to the field to take on Sun Conference opponent, Keiser University on Thursday, February 29th starting at 1:30 P.M. at the River Bowl Stadium.
