WASHINGTON, D.C. – The No. 4 seed Cedar Crest College flag football team concluded its season with a 27-6 loss to top-seeded Gallaudet University in the United East Conference Championship Tournament Semifinals on Saturday at Hotchkiss Field.

The Falcons began the first quarter with a drive starting at its own 14-yard line. The team advanced modestly with junior Analyse Rios (Orlando, Fla./Timber Creek) rushing for three yards but ultimately had to punt after an incomplete pass.

The Bison took possession but was halted by the Cedar Crest defense, highlighted by a crucial interception by first-year Zhané Pollard at the Falcons' three-yard line, preventing Gallaudet from capitalizing on its drive. The quarter concluded with both teams unable to score, keeping the scoreboard at 0-0.

The second stanza began with the Bison in possession, quickly thwarted by senior Elayah Toney (Jersey City, N.J./Innovation) stopping a short gain. Pollard faced challenges, completing a pass for a loss and an interception returned by sophomore Citrine Lummer (Frederick, Md.). However, the Falcons' defense responded with an interception by sophomore Ginger Kerdock (Annapolis, Md./Broadneck), seizing momentum momentarily.

The Cedar Crest offense struggled to capitalize, with several completed passes resulting in yardage loss and another interception, this time by first-year Evangeline Diaz (Cedar Park, Texas). Despite these setbacks, the Falcons' defense held firm, as Gallaudet's drive ended in an incomplete pass. The quarter concluded with the score standing at Gallaudet 6, Cedar Crest 0.

Cedar Crest began the third quarter with a momentum shift as Kerdock intercepted a pass from sophomore Gianna Visco (Riverside, Calif.) at the 37-yard line and returned it six yards. However, the ensuing Falcons' drive stalled after a short gain and an incomplete pass, leading to an interception returned for a touchdown by Lummer, extending the lead for the Bison.

Later, the Falcons' offense faced challenges, including a loss of yardage on a rush and incomplete passes, which resulted in a punt. Despite a completed pass from first-year LaMiah Clemons (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) to Rios for 18 yards, the series ended without further advancement. The quarter closed with Gallaudet ahead, as Cedar Crest worked to reduce the deficit.

The Falcons began the fourth quarter with possession on the Bison 10-yard line but was unable to convert the opportunity as Clemons threw an incomplete pass to Rios. Despite a subsequent completion to Pollard, the drive stalled, and the possession changed. Gallaudet responded with a drive that included a significant 15-yard rush by Visco, setting them up within Cedar Crest territory. The Bison drive culminated without scoring, maintaining their lead.

Midway through the quarter, the Falcons' offense faced challenges, highlighted by a personal foul and an interception by Diaz. Despite these setbacks, the Cedar Crest defense held firm, preventing further scoring from Gallaudet on their ensuing drive.

In the closing minutes, the Falcons attempted to mount a comeback. Pollard completed a pass for a short gain, but the drive was halted by incomplete passes, and time expired with Cedar Crest unable to close the gap.

For the Falcons, Clemons passed for 69 yards and one touchdown while also throwing two interceptions. Kerdock made an impact with a touchdown reception, accumulating 36 receiving yards, and secured two interceptions on defense. Pollard contributed defensively with five total tackles and one interception. First-year Gigi Martin (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) led the team in tackles, finishing with eight.

Cedar Crest concludes its inaugural season with a 6-7 overall record.