Milligan hosts first collegiate flag football game in the state of Tennessee
Published 9:15 am Tuesday, April 16, 2024
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Lady Buff cornerback Sa'Keiah Newell pauses between plays to assess Reinhardt's offensive formation.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Quarterback Bridget Keyser completes an 11-yard pass, finishing the day with 195 yards.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Wide receiver Kaitlin Quinn makes a reception.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Chloe Jackson relentlessly pursues the quarterback.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Former Happy Valley Softball standout and current Lady Buff cornerback Blakelee Ollis intercepts a pass deep in Buff territory, ending an Eagles drive.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Head Lady Buffs Coach Ryan Witten rallies his squad during the break.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Sam Urso celebrates with a teammate after scoring in the third quarter.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Abbylin LaPrise carries the ball.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Chloe Jackson looks to maneuver in open space.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Sam Urso evades two defenders.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Kiara Gusman-Sagapolu waits patiently for the play to start.
Ron Marvel/Star Correspondent Lady Buffs storm the field to face Reinhardt University Eagles in the first collegiate flag football game in Tennessee.
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By Ron Marvel
Star Correspondent
For those in attendance this weekend as the Lady Buffs played host to the Reinhardt University Eagles, history took place as the first collegiate flag football game in Tennessee. For the Lady Buffs, it was a long time coming as they spent the first 15 games on the road. Lady Buffs head coach Ryan Witten acknowledged the importance of the day: “It was great to have Dr. Greer, President of Milligan, present in the stands along with many other professors and students watching. It’s also important that all my family was present to see the product that we’ve been working on. I’m so proud of our team for their commitment to each other and the leap of faith in entrusting me to help them all achieve their personal goals,” Coach Witten exclaimed.
It is easy to see that women’s sports are experiencing a surge; you don’t have to look any further than the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship between Iowa and Connecticut and the fact that its viewership outpaced the men. Collegiate Flag Football represents yet another opportunity for females to compete. “With the growing popularity of women’s sports, this represents another avenue that’s opening for young athletes to attempt to have their dreams come true,” Witten shared. In addition, girls’ flag football is the fastest-growing sport in America.
Former Happy Valley High School Softball standout Blakelee Ollis appreciates being able to play a sport she and her father used to spend their weekends watching together. “To play for Coach Witten, he is someone who knows the game as well as anyone and he is always pushing us to be the best we can on and off the field. We are really paving the way, doing something different; so, the others that come after us can have an opportunity,” Ollis stated.
Even though Saturday’s game didn’t turn out the way the Lady Buffs wanted (a 20-7 loss to Reinhardt), this is a Lady Buff program that is growing by leaps and bounds. They had just two wins in their first three seasons and have chalked up seven wins this season. Clearly, the Lady Buffs were not happy with the result Saturday, but still, Coach Witten had nothing but praise for his young team: “Our team has developed an attitude of NEVER FLINCH! No matter the circumstances, no matter the outcome, our work ethic, our positive attitudes, and our shared responsibility to each other can’t be broken,” Witten added. As this young Milligan team gets more and more experience, the sky will be the limit for this program.
Statistically, on Saturday Bridget Keyser threw for 195 yards with a touchdown. Sam Urso led the way receiving with 68 yards and a score, Caitlin Quinn chipped in 59 yards receiving on five receptions. Defensively, Kiara Gusman-Sagapolu and Sophia Ortiz led the way, while Ollis and Ashton Whearley both had interceptions to kill Eagle drives.
It’s important to note that the Lady Buffs are playing without two of their better athletes due to injury: Destiny Johnson and Mykelah Davis, two tailbacks who can not only stretch the field but open it up in the middle. They are both a terror on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Milligan has two games left on the year, both next Saturday at Citizens Bank Stadium. They will play Campbellsville at 3 pm and North Carolina Central at 5 pm.
