BRADENTON, Fla. – The Warner University Royals continued their historic 2026 campaign Friday afternoon with a statement victory over No. 3 Keiser University in the Winner's Bracket Semifinal of the NAIA Flag Football Invitational at IMG Academy Field 10.
The victory marked the farthest postseason advancement in program history and secured Warner University's first-ever appearance in a team national championship game. With the win, the Royals remained undefeated and moved one step closer to capturing the university's first national championship title.
Warner once again showcased its balanced attack, pairing offensive efficiency with timely defensive stops against one of the nation's top programs. SUN Conference Player of the Year Kathryn Hutchinson led the Royals offensively with another standout performance at quarterback, while Warner's defense delivered key momentum-shifting plays throughout the semifinal contest.
Jessica Finley and Maggie Lauber continued to provide explosive production offensively, while O'Mariah Gordon, Ana Vincensini, Angeline Bunting, and Lauren Clark anchored a disruptive defensive effort that helped Warner control critical moments of the game.
Historic Notes
- Warner advanced to its first-ever NAIA National Championship game
- The Royals remained undefeated during the historic 2026 season
- Warner defeated No. 3 Keiser on the national stage to earn the championship berth
- The victory places Warner one win away from the university's first-ever team national championship
Up Next
The Royals will return to action Saturday, May 9th at 10 a.m. at the IMG Academy Stadium, where Warner will once again face Keiser University in the NAIA National Championship game.
#TogetherAsOne | #GodBlessGoRoyals
