LAKE WALES, Fla – The Warner University Royals made history on April 11, 2026, defeating No. 3 Keiser University 26-13 at Tye Athletic Field to secure the program's first-ever SUN Conference Regular Season Championship.
With the victory, Warner capped off a perfect 18-0 overall record and 9-0 mark in SUN Conference play, solidifying one of the most dominant regular seasons in program history.
In a battle of top conference contenders, the Royals showed resilience and composure, overcoming an early 13-0 deficit to take control in the second half. Keiser struck first with two first-half touchdown drives, but Warner responded late in the second quarter when Kathryn Hutchinson connected with Avalon Lux-Offermann for a 3-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 13-6 heading into halftime.
The Royals continued to build momentum in the third quarter, as Hutchinson found Jessica Finley for an 11-yard touchdown, trimming the score to 13-12. Warner's defense tightened, forcing key stops and limiting Keiser's offensive production after halftime.
The breakthrough came in the fourth quarter when Hutchinson connected with Ana Vincensini for a 12-yard touchdown, giving Warner its first lead of the game at 19-13. The Royals sealed the victory late as O'Mariah Gordon broke free for a 13-yard rushing touchdown, followed by a successful conversion to extend the lead to 26-13.
Defensively, Warner delivered a clutch performance, allowing just 13 points after surrendering early scores and coming up with a critical interception by O'Mariah Gordon in the fourth quarter to halt a Keiser drive. The Royals also applied pressure throughout, recording a sack and limiting big plays in the second half.
Warner controlled the tempo down the stretch, finishing with over 26 minutes of possession and converting an impressive 8-of-12 third-down opportunities in the win.
The victory not only secured the conference crown but also showcased Warner's ability to win in high-pressure situations against elite competition.
Royal Stat Leaders
- Passing: Kathryn Hutchinson – 36-of-49, 239 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
- Receiving: Ana Vincensini – 4 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Jessica Finley – 7 receptions, 30 yards, 1 TD
- Receiving: Avalon Lux-Offerman – 4 receptions, 32 yards, 1 TD
- Rushing: O'Mariah Gordon – 1 carry, 13 yards, 1 TD
- Interceptions: O'Mariah Gordon – 1 INT
- Tackles: Angeline Bunting – 7 total tackles
Up Next
With the regular season title secured, the Royals will now prepare to host the 2026 SUN Conference Postseason Tournament at Tye Athletic Field from April 23rd through April 25th. Warner looks to carry its undefeated momentum into postseason play as it competes for a conference championship title.
