LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Illinois College Lady Blues flag football team opened its inaugural season of competition Sunday with a historic performance at Halas Hall, the practice facility of the Chicago Bears, defeating Benedictine in the first game in program history before finishing runner-up in the tournament championship game.
IC opened the day with a 26-12 victory over Benedictine to record the program's first-ever win.
Later in the afternoon, the Lady Blues faced Illinois Wesleyan in the championship game and fell 27-19. Illinois College finishes the day 1-1.
GAME 1: IC 26 Benedictine 12
Illinois College jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in the first game in program history.
The Lady Blues offense produced a balanced attack, finishing with 211 passing yards and 92 rushing yards.
Ella Ausmus led the passing game, completing 17 of 31 passes for 162 yards. Reagan Oster added a dynamic performance, going 4-for-8 passing for 49 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 57 yards on three carries.
Oster also made an impact in the receiving game with seven catches for 64 yards. Olivia Hulsey provided the biggest scoring plays of the game with three receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns. Abby Flowers added five catches for 61 yards as the Lady Blues secured the historic victory.
Defensively, Illinois College forced four Benedictine turnovers. Holly Morehart led the defensive effort with nine flag pulls, an interception and three pass breakups. Sammy Fulton and Abby Keeton each added interceptions, while Lexi Van Dyke recorded a sack. Ella Smith also contributed a defensive touchdown for the Lady Blues.
GAME 2: IWU 27 IC 19
Illinois College returned to the field later in the day to face Illinois Wesleyan in the championship game.
The Lady Blues moved the ball effectively through the air, totaling 229 passing yards and scoring three touchdowns.
Ausmus completed 23 of 43 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns to lead the offense. Oster continued her strong all-around day, completing both of her pass attempts for 50 yards and a touchdown while contributing on the ground with 19 rushing yards and a score.
Flowers led the receiving corps with a standout performance, hauling in 13 receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, Morehart again paced the Lady Blues with 12 flag pulls and an interception. Fulton added five flag pulls, while Keeton recorded an interception and Kassie Weideman broke up a pass as IC continued to pressure the Illinois Wesleyan offense throughout the contest.
Up Next
The Lady Blues will play their first home game in program history on Saturday, March 21 at England Stadium, hosting North Park University at 2:00 p.m.
