Box Score MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (February 21, 2023) - The Webber International University women's flag football team opened its 2023 season on Saturday night as it matched up against the Lions of Florida Memorial University. The Warriors overcame some early first-game jitters to seal a 20-7 victory in their first game of the new season.

The Warriors (1-0 overall, 1-0 SUN) held the Lions (0-2, 0-2) scoreless in the second half and scored 20 unanswered points to earn the victory on the road.

Both teams were held scoreless in the first quarter as Webber was forced to punt on its first two offensive drives of the game. Senior Cameron Laine covered punting duties and delivered great punts to switch the field and pin Florida Memorial in its own territory. The Warriors drew first-blood in the second quarter after sophomore-quarterback Samantha Wilson connected with freshman Kaitlyn Sigmundi over the top of the defense to earn a 7-0 lead. The Lions responded, however, scoring on their next drive to tie things back up.

Florida Memorial had the ball to start the second half but was quickly stopped by the Webber-defense. The Warriors scored on their next drive after Wilson found Hayden Rupe over the middle whose speed was too much for the Lions as she raced up the middle of the field for her first receiving touchdown of the year. Holding a 14-7 lead at the start of the fourth quarter, Webber found the endzone once again thanks to the legs of Wilson who scrambled into the endzone for a rushing touchdown. Laine sealed the victory for the Warriors after intercepting a desperation-pass from Florida Memorial late in the game.

The Warriors were led by Wilson who tallied three total touchdowns, two through the air and one on the ground. Sigmundi capped her collegiate-debut with a receiving touchdown while Sun Conference Player to Watch, Rupe, led the team in receiving yards and added a touchdown as well. Defensively, Kayla Burrows tallied a handful of flag pulls and recorded an interception as well. Freshman Jada Dillard was a key-contributer on defense, repeatedly getting into the Florida Memorial backfield and tallying numerous sacks.

Next up, Webber will play twice next week as it first hosts Keiser University on Thursday, February 23rd at 2 p.m. in its home-opener. The Warriors then take on St. Thomas University on Saturday, February 25th at 4 p.m. on the Warrior Turf Field.