NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 6, St. Thomas, 7
Records: Life U, 1-1 (1-1 SUN) ; St. Thomas, 2-1 (1-1 SUN)
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - The Life University women's flag football team fell in overtime to the #5 Bobcats of St. Thomas on Friday afternoon. Locked in a defensive battle, the teams found the game tied 0-0 heading into overtime. The Life U defense recorded five INTs in the contest, with Promise Cooper having three on her own.
After a quick three-play drive that stalled to open the contest for the Running Eagles, the defense turned around and immediately returned the favor. Stopping the Bobcat offense in five plays, Life U took over for the second offensive possession in the game.
Cheyenne Brooks slowly worked the offense down the field as the Running Eagles racked up a nearly ten-minute drive. However, the St. Thomas defense locked down the red zone, forcing a turnover on downs.
The Life U defense quickly forced a three-and-out on the ensuing Bobcats possession. With just minutes left in the half, Life U took a shot to the end zone but the pass was intercepted, sending the game to half time tied 0-0.
The second half featured more defense as Life U continued to frustrate the home standing offense. The defense recorded multiple interceptions, though the offense was unable to capitalize on the other end.
The Running Eagles turned in one last big stand on the final drive of regulation. After the Bobcats marched down the field, Oumy Gaye turned up with a massive interception on Life U's 5 yard line. The offense was left with under one minute to turn the INT into points and the game headed into overtime.
In the OT period, the Bobcats scored a touchdown and converted the one-point conversion, putting the pressure back on the Life U offense. Working the ball down to the goal line, Dechea Branham rushed home a two-yard TD on fourth down. The conversion attempt came up just short as the game concluded 7-6 in favor of St. Thomas.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Cheyenne Brooks: 25/43 completions, 201 yards
--Dechea Branham: 9 receptions, 65 yards, 1 Rushing TD
--Caitlyn Gibson: 4 receptions, 65 yards
--Promise Cooper: 3 TKLs, 3 INTS
--Oumy Gaye: 2 TKLs, 1 INT
Up next, the Running Eagles remain in the Sunshine State, taking on Keiser on Saturday, Feb. 21.
