MARIETTA, Ga. – The Ottawa University women's flag football team defeated Keiser University 21-12 on Thursday afternoon at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex. The win moves the Braves to the tournament semifinals. Ottawa will play Thomas University (Ga.) on Friday, May 19 at 9:30 a.m. (cst).
Keiser struck first, taking the early lead over the Braves on its first offensive possession of the game. The Seahawks put together a five play, 66 yard drive that ended in a Jazmin Rhoden touchdown pass to Sophia Caprio. The extra point was no good and KU had a 6-0 lead.
Ottawa answered with a scoring drive of its own, this one seven plays and 66 yards.
Madysen Carrera ended the drive with a three yard touchdown pass to
Alyssa Linkous and the game was tied 6-6.
The Seahawks broke the tie on their next offensive possession. Keiser's Rhoden threw a five yard touchdown pass to Haylie Young, giving KU a 12-6 lead.
The Braves were forced to punt on their second offensive possession of the game but the OU defense, quickly, got the ball back for the Ottawa offense. On the second play of the Keiser drive,
Susann Kaufmann picked off Rhoden, returning the ball to the KU 35 yard line.
Ottawa, unfortunately, was not able to take advantage of the short field and turned the ball over on downs at the KU three yard line with 1:06 left in the half. The OU defense held their ground, not allowing Keiser to put together a late second scoring drive and the Seahawks took a 12-6 lead into the locker room.
OU came out of halftime on fire and took its first lead of the game. OU's eight play, 66 yard drive ended in a Carrera touchdown pass to Linkous. The Carrera extra point was good and with 6:55 left in the third, Ottawa led 13-12.
The Brave defense forced a Keiser punt and OU took over on its own 39 yard line with 2:30 to go in the third. Ottawa marched the ball down the field and on first and 13 from the KU 13 yard line, Carrera connected on a touchdown pass to
Bailey Hodgins. Ottawa's two point conversion attempt was good and OU had a 21-12 lead with 11:40 left in the game.
Keiser took its second drive of the second half down to the OU two yard line. Ottawa's defense held, with
Hailee McKay breaking up a pass on fourth down to give the Braves back the ball with seven minutes on the clock.
Ottawa was forced to punt three plays later, but had run two minutes off the clock, and KU took over on its own 38 yard line. On second and 14 from the OU 14 yard line,
Jukanie Washington intercepted the Marisa Rubino pass and Ottawa had the ball with 1:42 left in the game.
The Braves ran out the clock, taking the 21-12 victory.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa had 52 yards rushing and 190 yards passing for 242 yards of offense. Keiser finished the game with 249 yards of offense, negative six rushing and 255 yards passing.
- The Braves held the Seahawks to 97 yards of offense in the second half, all through the air. Ottawa had 150 yards of offense in the second half.
- Addison Orsborn led OU in rushing with 37 yards.
- Madysen Carrera threw for 190 yards (23-for-33) and three touchdowns.
- Addison Orsborn had seven receptions for 49 yards.
- Bailey Hodgins had five receptions and a touchdown. Alyssa Linkous finished the game with five receptions and two touchdowns.
- Abby Brown had 10 tackles to lead OU.
- Susann Kaufmann finished the game with five tackles, one sack, and one interception.
- Hailee McKay had three tackles and one pass break up.
Who is Next
Ottawa (16-0) will now play Thomas University (18-1) in the Women's Flag Finals Semifinal Game on Friday, May 19 in Mercedes Benz Stadium. Game time is set for 9:30 a.m. (cst).
