INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The University of Saint Francis (Ind.) women's flag football team played its first game in program history against (RV) Siena Heights University at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center on Saturday, February 21. 

The Cougars battled through two overtime periods but fell short to Siena Heights, 24-18.

Saint Francis struck first, scoring two touchdowns in the second period to take a 12-0 lead. Siena Heights answered with a touchdown in the final minute of the half to cut the deficit to 12-6 heading into the break.

The Saints added another score in the third period while keeping the Cougars off the board, evening the contest and forcing overtime.

Both teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime session. Siena Heights then found the end zone again in the second overtime period to secure the 24-18 victory.

Offensively, the Cougars totaled 195 yards, including 151 through the air and 44 on the ground. Jianna Reyes accounted for three touchdowns — two passing and one rushing. Wilma Gardner led the receiving corps with four receptions, while Madison Myers-Rebidas added three catches.

Defensively, the Cougars recorded 26 total flag pulls. Ava Cousins led the way with eight tackles, while Haylee Weatherspoon and Nina Kamma-Hill each recorded an interception.

Up next, Saint Francis (0-1) will travel to Tampa, Florida to compete in the IFFA Next Level Showdown on March 5-7. 

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the University of Saint Francis offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. The academic structure at Saint Francis offers seven pathways: Humanities, Faith and Liberal Arts; Allied Health; Creative Arts and Digital Media; Education, Human Services and Community Care; Leadership and Business; Nursing; and  Sciences and Medical Studies. In addition to its traditional programs, Saint Francis delivers workforce development healthcare programs in Fort Wayne, Crown Point, Gas City, Indianapolis, Lafayette and online. Saint Francis Downtown houses the music technology program while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Five-Star Champion of Character institution, Saint Francis has 21 athletic programs boasting three individual and four team NAIA national championships. More than 1,900 students from a broad geographic region attend Saint Francis.