BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The Ottawa University women's flag football team opened its 2024 season with a 53-6 win over Baker University on Tuesday night at Liston Stadium.
Ottawa's defense forced Baker to punt on its first offensive possession of the game and OU took over on the Baker 36 yard line. Four plays later
Madysen Carrera threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to
Jazlyn Camacho for the first score of 2024. The PAT pass from Carrera to
Bailey Hodgins was good and OU led 7-0.
Three plays into Baker's second offensive possession of the game, Ottawa's defense earned its first take away of the season.
Abby Brown stepped in front of BU quarterback Sanija Waller's pass and returned it to the Baker 29 yard line.
The Braves took advantage of the good field position and two plays later, found the end zone. Carrera thew a 21 yard touchdown pass to
Marley Spielberg. The PAT pass from Carrera to Linkous was good and with 5:02 left in the first quarter, Ottawa led 14-0.
The OU defense earned another take away on the next Wildcat offensive possession. Waller's pass to Daniela Gonzalez-Takashima was intercepted by
Jukanie Washington and OU took over on the BU 19 yard line with 3:29 remaining in the first quarter.
A run by
Mandolyn Scalisi and a pass from Carrera to Hodgins moved the ball to the Wildcat 12 yard line. On second and 12 Carrera crossed the goal line on the scramble for the touchdown. The PAT pass from Carrera to
Cynthia Homs was good, giving OU a 21-0 lead over Baker with 2:37 left in the first quarter.
The Wildcats were able to move the ball down the field on its next offensive possession. Baker had a fourth and 11 at the OU 11 yard line.
Hailee McKay intercepted the Waller pass at the OU 14 and the Braves took over with 8:55 left in the half.
A pass from Carrera to Camacho for 45 yards moved OU into Baker territory. Three plays later Carrera competed a nine yard touchdown pass to Homs. The PAT run by Career was good and the Braves had a 28-0 lead with 7:08 left in the second quarter.
The OU defense forced a three and out by the Wildcats and the Braves took over on the Baker 19 yard line with 3:57 left in the first half. The Braves moved the ball to the BU 3 yard line. Carrera completed her fourth touchdown pass of the half, this one to
Jaida Bayron, and OU led 35-0 with 3:26 remaining in the second quarter.
The Wildcats were able to put together a scoring drive on its final offensive possession of the first half. Nine plays and 66 yards later, Baker was in the end zone. Waller completed a 15 yard touchdown pass to Jaylin Harris. The PAT attempt was no good and Ottawa took a 35-6 lead into the locker room.
Ottawa received the ball to start the third quarter and put together a nine plays and 66 yards scoring drive. Carrera threw a six yard touchdown pass to
Alyssa Linkous. The PAT attempt was no good and OU led 41-6.
The OU defense forced a Baker turnover on downs, taking over on the BU 29 yard line. Three plays later, Ottawa was back in the end zone. Carrera connected on a six yard touchdown pass to
Mandolyn Scalisi. The PAT attempt was no good and the Braves had a 47-6 lead with 51 seconds left in the third quarter.
Ottawa intercepted Baker for the fourth time on its next offensive possession. The Wildcats moved the ball to its own 28 yard line. Dejonie Parris intercepted the Waller pass, giving OU the ball on the Baker 30 yard line.
OU took advantage of the short field and Carrera completed her seventh touchdown pass of the game, second to Scalisi, to take the lead and the game, 53-6.
Inside the Box Score
- Ottawa finished the game with 299 yards of offense, 54 yards rushing and 245 yards passing.
- The Brave defense held Baker to 212 yards of offense, 39 rushing and 173 passing. OU had four interceptions.
- Madysen Carrera rushed for 30 yards and scored one rushing touchdown. She went 21-for-26 through the air for 245 yards and seven touchdowns.
- Jazlyn Camacho led OU with 74 receiving yards.
- Mandolyn Scalisi led OU with five receptions. She had two receiving touchdowns.
- Alyssa Gillespie had seven flag pulls.
- Dejonice Parris and Leilani Caamal had six flag pulls apiece.
- Parris, Abby Brown, Hailee McKay, and Jukanie Washington each finished the game with an interception.
Who is Next
Ottawa (1-0) returns to the gridiron on Saturday, Feb. 24 against Midland University at AdventHealth Field. Game time is set for 11:00 a.m.