BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Illinois College Lady Blues flag football team traveled to Tucci Stadium on Saturday for a doubleheader against Illinois Wesleyan and Benedictine, splitting the afternoon after a hard-fought opening contest and a dominant performance in the nightcap.
The Lady Blues opened the day with a 26-13 loss to host Illinois Wesleyan before bouncing back in spectacular fashion with a 43-12 victory over Benedictine. Illinois College finishes the weekend with a 1-1 record.
GAME 1: IWU 26 IC 13
Illinois College started the day facing the host Titans in a defensive battle that remained scoreless through the opening quarter.
The Lady Blues offense found its rhythm in the second quarter when Ella Ausmus capped off a 68-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown run. Ausmus led the passing attack throughout the game, completing 19 of 38 passes for 169 yards.
Abby Flowers was the primary target for the IC air raid, hauling in seven receptions for 62 yards. Flowers provided the final highlight of the game when she caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Reagan Oster in the fourth quarter. Alesia Parks also contributed to the yardage with three catches for 58 yards, including a game-high 61-yard reception.
Defensively, Kylie Rakers paced the Lady Blues with eight flag pulls and a pass breakup. Jourdan Stevens added seven flag pulls, while Lexi Van Dyke and Holly Morehart each recorded five to keep the contest within reach until the final frame.
GAME 2: IC 43 Benedictine 12
In the second game of the afternoon, Illinois College's offense exploded for 43 points to overwhelm Benedictine. The Lady Blues jumped out to a 20-0 halftime lead and never looked back.
The offense produced 323 total yards, featuring a balanced and efficient passing game. Ausmus was nearly perfect, completing 11 of 13 passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Oster was equally effective, throwing for 128 yards and a touchdown while adding 30 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Flowers recorded a standout performance with 11 receptions for 101 yards and added a 15-yard rushing touchdown to her stat line. Danielle Beach provided the biggest play of the day with a 48-yard touchdown reception, while Courtney Stoub and Oster each added touchdown catches in the rout.
The IC defense was stifling, forcing four interceptions and recording a safety. Morehart led the way with two interceptions, including a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown. Van Dyke and Ella Smith each added an interception, and the defensive front recorded four sacks, led by one each from Van Dyke, Smith, Stoub, and Jiech Bel.
Up Next
The Lady Blues return to Englad Stadium as they take on Illinois Wesleyan once again for a doubleheader on Saturday, April 4th at 11:00am. Game two will be a JV game that will take place at 1:30pm.
