TINTON FALLS, N.J. – The Villa Maria College women's flag football team rallied from a 12-0 deficit to defeat Sienna Heights University (Mich.), 13-12, in pool play at the NCFFL National Championship Tournament on May 2.
JUST THE BASICS:
SCORE: Villa 13, Sienna Heights 12
LOCATION: Tinton Falls, N.J. | Capelli Sports Complex
TEAM RECORDS: Villa (20-3), Sienna Heights (15-15)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Saints took an early 12-0 lead on a pair of first-quarter throwing scores.
- The Viking defense struck as Kiara Mercado returned an interception 40-plus yards to get Villa on the board at 12-6.
- Gianna Marciano's extra-point reception, on Mercado's pick-6 that made it a 12-7 score, proved to be the difference in the contest with the throw coming from Brianna Shalinsky.
- Keiliany Diaz's reception of over 50 yards from Alannah Bushorr closed out the game's scoring in the second half.
- Lily Runkel and Mercado led the defense in tackles.
- The defense came away with three interceptions with Alyssa Saavedra and Kiera LeBreton joining Mercado.
- Mercado now has three pick-6's on the season.
- The victory gave Villa 20 wins on the season, the most in program history.
UP NEXT:
The Vikings continue NCFFL Championship Tournament play on Sunday, May 3, with a quarterfinal matchup at 1:50 PM against St. Joseph's University (Brooklyn) in Tinton Falls, N.J.
