BABSON PARK, Fla. (March 25, 2023) – The Webber International University women's flag football team returned to Sun Conference play with a matchup against 2022 NAIA Finals Runners-Up, Thomas University, on Friday afternoon. The Warriors played a strong first quarter defensively, but struggled from then on to limit the Night Hawk's offense in a 33-6 defeat.
 
The Warriors (6-3 overall, 2-3 SUN) uncharacteristically mustered just 167 yards of total offense, compared to the 267 of Thomas (9-0, 4-0).
 
It was a defensive first quarter that Webber seemed to hold the advantage in, intercepting the Night Hawks twice on both of their first two drives. The Warriors would be unable to capitalize, however, as they were stopped on fourth down both times.
 
After a scoreless first quarter, Thomas broke the game open with three touchdowns in the second. The final score occurred after yet another fourth down stop in the Warriors' own half.
 
Thomas led 26-0 heading into the final quarter of play. The Warriors finally got themselves on the board after Samantha Wilson found Kayla Burrows over the top of the defense for an 18-yard touchdown. The Night Hawks added one more touchdown late in the game to seal the 33-6 defeat for the Warriors.
 
Wilson ended 23-of-33 for 141 yards passing and a touchdown. She also rushed five times for a total of 22 yards. Ciara Zino added one rush for 14 yards. Freshman Emma Balacco led the team with a season-high six catches for 35 yards. Burrows finished with the most receiving yards at 48 on four catches and a touchdown. Breaza Robinson reeled in four catches for 21 yards as well.
 
Burrows was all over the field defensively, recording 10 flag pulls and a pass breakup. She was followed by Balacco who tallied a season-high of five flag pulls as well as the first interception of her career. Robinson had four flag pulls and intercepted her fifth pass of the season. Zoe Melo and Jada Dillard both added three flag pulls. Two of Dillard's three flag pulls were sacks.
 
The Warriors will now prepare for their second matchup of the season against Florida Memorial University, this time at home on Wednesday, March 29th at 4 p.m. on the Warrior Grass Field.