LISLE, Ill. - The Illinois College Lady Blues flag football team wrapped up their inaugural season on Saturday at the Benedictine Flag Fest, hosted by Benedictine University.
The Lady Blues faced Aurora in the opener before bouncing back with a strong defensive effort against Rockford, splitting the day to close out their first season of competition.
Illinois College fell to Aurora 52-13 in game one before responding with a 12-0 shutout victory over Rockford in the finale.
GAME 1: Aurora 52 IC 13
Illinois College opened the day against a high-powered Aurora offense that struck early, taking a 12-0 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 34-0 by halftime.
Aurora's passing attack proved difficult to contain, totaling 333 yards and eight touchdowns through the air.
The Lady Blues continued to battle and broke through in the fourth quarter. Ella Ausmus scored IC's first touchdown of the game on a 9-yard run to cap a long drive, and Reagan Oster later added a 4-yard rushing touchdown to round out the scoring.
Ausmus and Oster split time at quarterback, combining for 129 passing yards. Abby Flowers led the receiving corps with six receptions for 63 yards, while Abby Keeton added two catches for 29 yards. Allison Icenogle contributed three receptions as the Lady Blues found success moving the ball late.
Defensively, Ella Smith and Abby Keeton led the way with five flag pulls each. Lexi Van Dyke, Jourdan Stevens, and Kylie Rakers each recorded four stops, while Rakers added a tackle for loss.
GAME 2: IC 12 Rockford 0
The Lady Blues responded in the second game with one of their strongest defensive performances of the season, shutting out Rockford 12-0.
After a scoreless first quarter, Illinois College broke through late in the second when Reagan Oster capped a lengthy drive with a 1-yard rushing touchdown to give IC a 6-0 lead at halftime.
Illinois College added to its lead in the third quarter when Oster connected with Ella Ausmus on a 13-yard touchdown pass, extending the advantage to 12-0.
Oster led the offense with 122 passing yards on 19 completions, while Ausmus contributed across the board with six receptions and a touchdown catch. Abby Flowers paced the receiving unit once again with seven receptions for 40 yards, while Kylie Rakers and Mady Salisbury added key catches.
The defense led the way for the Lady Blues, holding Rockford scoreless and forcing two interceptions. Ella Smith recorded six flag pulls and an interception, while Abby Keeton added four flag pulls and an interception. Holly Morehart contributed four stops, and Jourdan Stevens added two as Illinois College controlled the game defensively from start to finish.
Blue Notes
The Lady Blues close out their inaugural season with an even 4-4 record and will look to carry that momentum into the offseason as they prepare for the Spring 2027 campaign.
