WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Cedar Crest College flag football team split a pair of games at Gallaudet University, falling to the host Bison in a 15-0 final and then responded with a 12-6 win over Keystone College to close out the day.

Game One – Gallaudet 15, Cedar Crest 0

The first quarter began with Gallaudet on offense, executing several successful passes and advancing deep into Falcons' territory. However, the Cedar Crest defense held firm, with junior Kenny Akinsehinwa (Windsor Mill, Md./Prince & Princess International School) contributing key tackles to halt progress from the Bison, ultimately forcing a turnover on downs at the Falcons' six-yard line. Cedar Crest's subsequent possession struggled to gain momentum, resulting in a loss of yardage. Despite attempts to advance with passes from first-year Zhané Pollard and junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek), the team was unable to convert on key downs, closing the quarter with Gallaudet leading 6-0.

The Falcons began the second quarter with a significant defensive play as Jasmine George () intercepted a pass from sophomore Gianna Visco (Riverside, Calif.) at the Bison 25-yard line, returning it 11 yards to set up the Cedar Crest offense at the 14-yard line. Despite this opportunity, the Falcons' drive stalled after a penalty and a turnover on downs at the Gallaudet five-yard line. The Bison responded with a series of successful plays, gaining substantial yardage and eventually moving into Cedar Crest territory. The Falcons' defensive effort included tackles by first-years Gigi Martin (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) and Hailey Wolbeck (Hemet, Calif./Western Center Academy), but Gallaudet maintained its offensive momentum throughout the quarter, extending its lead to 13-0 by halftime.

The Falcons opened the third quarter with a drive led by Rios, who connected with senior Erika Butler (Philadelphia, Pa./String Theory Performing Arts) for a significant 16-yard gain, but the drive was halted by an incomplete pass. Both teams ended the quarter without altering the scoreboard, leaving the game in a deadlock heading into the final quarter.

Cedar Crest started the fourth quarter with possession but faced challenges advancing the ball. Despite a determined push with completions to Wolbeck and sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), the Falcons were unable to overcome the deficit, concluding the game with a 15-0 loss.

Game Two – Cedar Crest 12, Keystone 6

In their second game, Cedar Crest secured a 12-6 win over Keystone College. The Falcons' defense was pivotal, intercepting three passes and returning one for a touchdown.

Cedar Crest started with possession and made an early push with an 18-yard completion from first-year LaMiah Clemons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) to Kerdock, but the drive stalled. The Giants took over but struggled due to penalties and incomplete passes. The Falcons capitalized on Keystone's mistakes, including flag pulls by Butler and her teammates.

The second stanza saw Cedar Crest capitalize as Clemons connected with Rios for an 11-yard touchdown pass, although they missed the extra-point try. The Falcons continued to apply pressure defensively, limiting the Giants' offensive advances. However, Keystone managed to equalize later in the frame. Despite a late interception by first-year Tayana Bibbins (Lincoln, Del.), Cedar Crest's defense held firm, preventing further scoring before halftime. The quarter closed tied at 6-6.

The Falcons started the third quarter defensively strong, highlighted by George's tackle for a two-yard loss. Despite the Giants' advances, Cedar Crest regained the lead with a crucial seven-yard pass from Clemons to Wolbeck, concluding the quarter at 12-6.

The Falcons began the fourth quarter at their own 21-yard line, but the drive stalled. Cedar Crest's defense effectively responded, with Kerdock flagging a Keystone player for a seven-yard loss and George recording a sack.

Midway through the quarter, Pollard intercepted a pass, giving the Falcons another chance deep in their territory. Although Cedar Crest could not add to their lead, the Falcons' defense maintained pressure, securing a 12-6 victory as the clock expired.

Rios recorded a touchdown reception and amassed 39 receiving yards on five catches against Keystone. Clemons completed 15 of 33 passes, throwing for 126 yards and one touchdown. Pollard contributed defensively with an interception and five tackles, while senior Elayah Toney (Jersey City, N.J./Innovation) secured an interception and led with seven tackles, showcasing a strong defensive effort.

Cedar Crest (6-6 overall, 2-6 United East) has clinched a spot in the inaugural United East Conference Championship Tournament as the No. 4 seed and will face top-seeded Gallaudet University in a semifinal matchup on Saturday, April 25 at 11:00 a.m. The winners of the semifinals will square off in the Championship game at 2:30 p.m.