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 proved to be the difference in the contest from a throw 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 the winner of Howard Community College & St. Joseph's (Brooklyn) in Tinton Falls, N.J.