KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Warner University Women's Flag Football team capped off a historic 2025 season with a hard-fought battle in the opening round of Bracket Play at the NAIA Flag Football National Championship Tournament. The #2-seeded Royals faced off against #7-seeded Baker University and came up just short in a thrilling 26-20 contest that went down to the wire.

Baker struck first in the opening quarter, taking a 7-0 lead before Warner's offense began to click. Quarterback Kathryn Hutchinson answered with a strike to Ana Vincensini, putting the Royals on the board. A missed extra point made it 7-6 heading into the second quarter.

Defensively, Warner made a statement with a key second-quarter interception by Jade Mazziotta, shifting momentum back to the Royals. Hutchinson capitalized, finding Trinity Keeran for another Royals touchdown. Hutchinson then connected with Adriana Williams for a successful PAT, sending Warner into halftime with a 13-7 lead.

Coming out of the break, Baker regained the lead early in the third quarter, taking a 14-13 advantage. But the Royals responded swiftly. Hutchinson found Angeline Bunting in the end zone, followed by a one-point conversion from Hutchinson to Vincensini, putting Warner back on top, 20-14, to close out the third.

In a nail-biting fourth quarter, the Wildcats found the end zone twice—first to tie the game, and then again late in the quarter to pull ahead for good. Despite the Royals' best efforts, Baker held on for the 26-20 win.

While the loss brings the 2025 campaign to a close, the Royals have much to celebrate. Warner not only advanced to the SUN Conference Semifinals for the first time in program history but also went a perfect 2-0 in Pool Play at the National Tournament, earning the #2 overall seed heading into Bracket Play.

The 2025 season marks a major leap forward for Warner Flag Football—a testament to the relentless determination, growth, and resilience of the team and coaching staff. The Royals have laid a strong foundation for future success on the national stage. As always God Bless, and Go Royals!