St. David's, Pa. – In a hard-fought game that went into overtime, the Montclair State University women's flag football team (1-1, 1-1 NJAC) dropped the thriller at Eastern, 18-12 on Tuesday evening.
How It Happened
- Eastern started with the ball, but were forced to punt on the first drive, and despite a 16-yard connection from HADDIYAH BELL to SERENITY MUHAMMED, the Red Hawks turned the ball over on downs on their first drive.
- Once again, both teams traded defensive stops before the Eagles took advantage of a possession starting in Red Hawk territory to score the first points of the game on a 12-yard touchdown right at the beginning of the second quarter. A failed extra point kept the game at 6-0.
- It only took a one-play response for Montclair to even the score. Bell found MAYA ANICO, who took it 66 yards for Montclair's longest touchdown of the season and evened the score at 6-6 after the failed one-point conversion.
- Montclair stalled a 12-play drive from Eastern that went from 12:00 to 5:25, but an interception thrown by Bell set the Eagles up with excellent field possession, and they were able to punch in a one-yard touchdown to go up 12-6. That score went into the second half.
- The Red Hawks got first possession in the second half, but another interception stymied an equalizing drive. A big sack on the ensuing drive by BRI CARTER helped make sure Eastern didn't pull away.
- A third interception created by Eastern was answered by GENEVIEVE FARA, who nabbed one of her own to start the fourth quarter. That drive led to Bell running in the tying touchdown for a 12-12 score.
- The Eagles made one last push in regulation to win the game. Their drive went all the way into goal-line territory. On the final play of regulation, KIMORA WESTON made the game-saving pull, and the showdown went into overtime.
- Montclair put together a great effort in overtime and was granted an automatic first-down tackling penalty on the Eastern 5, but was unable to find the endzone.
- The contest came down to fourth and goal from the one, and the Red Hawks were just inches short of a clean flag pull as Eastern crossed the goal line for the thrilling win.
Inside the Numbers
- Bell nearly quadrupled her passing yard total from the first game, throwing for 220 yards and a touchdown. She also had 10 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- Anico led the receiving room, catching five passes for 108 yards and a touchdown. Muhammed followed behind with 79 yards on a team-high seven catches.
- Weston was all over the field defensively, notching 11 total tackles with 10 solo tackles.
From the Field
- "Really proud of our effort against a very experienced team. We will use today's experience to grow as a unit as our season unfolds." Head Coach Jim Kelly
Up Next
- Montclair will stay on the road for a matchup at LIU on Monday, March 23, at 5:00 p.m.