LANCASTER, Pa. – The Cedar Crest College flag football team split its two games on Saturday, securing a convincing 24-0 shutout over Lancaster Bible College and then later fell to Keystone College with a final score of 14-6.

Game One – Cedar Crest 24, Lancaster Bible 0

The Falcons showcased a dominant performance, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter that set the tone for the contest. The Cedar Crest defense was impenetrable, allowing only 31 total yards and recording seven tackles, while the Falcons added 18 points in the final quarter to seal the win.

The first quarter began with the Cedar Crest defense making an immediate impact, forcing the Chargers into a loss of yards on their initial drive, including a five-yard loss due to a flag pull by first-year Jasmine George (). Lancaster Bible struggled to advance, ultimately punting after a holding penalty pushed them back to their own two-yard line.

The Falcons found their stride in the second quarter, as senior Erika Butler (Philadelphia, Pa./String Theory Performing Arts) connected on a 50-yard pass to junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), who completed the drive with a touchdown, establishing a 6-0 lead. Although the Chargers attempted to respond, the Falcons' defense, led by senior Elayah Toney (Jersey City, N.J./Innovation) and first-year Gigi Martin (Allentown, Pa./Parkland), maintained their dominance and prevented further progression. The quarter closed with Cedar Crest ahead 6-0.

Individual highlights for the Falcons included Rios with 50 receiving yards and a touchdown, Butler with a passing touchdown and 50 yards, and Toney leading the defense with two tackles.

Game Two – Keystone 14, Cedar Crest 6

In the second game against Keystone College, Cedar Crest struggled, ultimately falling 14-6.

The Falcons' sole score came from George's impressive 78-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Giants capitalized with two touchdowns, maintaining consistent pressure throughout the game.

\The first quarter saw Cedar Crest starting on its own 10-yard line. After a promising five-yard rush by junior Jessica Womack (Sellersville, Pa./Pennridge), the Falcons faced a setback when Butler lost 12 yards. However, a significant 66-yard pass from junior Stephanie Macaluso (Kendall Park, N.J./South Brunswick) to Butler advanced the ball to the Keystone 14-yard line. Unfortunately, the Giants' defense halted Cedar Crest's progress, and the stanza closed with Keystone leading 2-0 due to a pair of safeties.

In the second frame, although the Falcons' defense held strong against the Giants' initial scoring attempts, an interception by first-year Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del.) allowed Keystone to take control. Cedar Crest regained possession after another interception but failed to convert their drives into points, with the score still at 2-0 in favor of the Giants by halftime.

The third quarter began with a defensive stand from the Falcons, highlighted by George's key tackle. However, an interception by first-year Malina Alexander (Hazleton, Pa.) stalled the Cedar Crest momentum early in the period. The Falcons faced further challenges, but George's interception and subsequent 78-yard return for a touchdown shifted the momentum, narrowing the score to Keystone 8, Cedar Crest 6.

As the fourth quarter opened, the Falcons defense continued to shine, with key plays from sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck) and Rios, contributing to a total loss of yards on Keystone's final drive. Despite their efforts, Cedar Crest struggled to make progress offensively and the game concluded with a final score of 14-6 in favor of the Giants.

Individual highlights for the Falcons from the game included George's 78-yard interception return for a touchdown and seven tackles, Butler with a fumble recovery and two interceptions, and Kerdock adding three tackles.

Cedar Crest (2-3 overall, 0-3 United East) will travel to face Manor College on Friday, April 3, at 4:00 p.m., followed by a matchup with Harford Community College at 5:15 p.m.