BRADENTON, Fla. – Warner University Athletics history was made Saturday morning at IMG Academy as the Warner University Royals defeated No. 3 Keiser University 13-7 to secure the program's first-ever NAIA Flag Football Invitational National Championship and the university's first-ever team national championship.
The victory completed a perfect 24-0 season for the Royals and cemented Warner Flag Football's place in program and university history.
In a defensive battle between two SUN Conference powers, Warner delivered one of its grittiest performances of the season, overcoming an early 6-0 deficit and shutting out the Seahawks over the final three quarters to claim the national title.
Keiser opened the scoring in the first quarter on a four-yard touchdown pass, but the Royals defense quickly settled in and dominated the remainder of the contest. Warner forced three interceptions and consistently came through with critical stops in key moments, including a fourth-down stand inside the red zone and a late-game interception by Jessica Finley to seal the championship victory.
The Royals tied the game in the third quarter when O'Mariah Gordon connected with Maggie Lauber on a four-yard touchdown pass to cap an eight-play scoring drive. Warner finally took the lead for good late in the fourth quarter as Kathryn Hutchinson found Ana Vincensini for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 1:42 remaining. Hutchinson added the extra point to extend the lead to 13-6.
Warner's defense closed out the final Keiser drive in dramatic fashion as Jessica Finley intercepted a pass in the closing seconds, igniting the Royals celebration as the clock expired.
Kathryn Hutchinson once again guided the Royals offense with poise under pressure, while O'Mariah Gordon contributed in every phase of the game with key receptions, rushing yards, and a touchdown pass. Defensively, Lauren Clark, Andrea Castillo, Jessica Finley, Maggie Lauber, and Ana Vincensini anchored a relentless effort that kept Keiser out of rhythm throughout the championship matchup.
The national championship caps one of the most remarkable seasons in Warner Athletics history, as the Royals captured the SUN Conference Regular Season Championship, SUN Conference Tournament Championship, and NAIA National Championship all in the same undefeated campaign.
#TogetherAsOne | GodBlessGoRoyals
