ALBANY, N.Y. - The Elmira College flag football team traveled to Russell Sage College for an Empire 8 matchup versus the Gators. The Soaring Eagles picked up their first conference win as they defeated Russell Sage, 25-13. 

PLAY-BY-PLAY
It was a strong start for the EC offense, as freshman quarterback Nyla Capen found Kylie Hook for a 29-yard completion on the first play of the game. A 10-yard rush by Jenica Jones kept the offense moving before Capen ran into the end zone on a 13-yard rushing touchdown.

The momentum carried over to the Soaring Eagles' defense, which forced a quick three-and-out. On the first play of EC's second drive, Capen connected with Faith Ingber for a 45-yard touchdown to put the Soaring Eagles up 12–0. The Elmira defense then made a stand on 4th-and-2, forcing a Russell Sage turnover on downs at their own 18-yard line. Both offenses struggled to move the ball for the remainder of the quarter, which ended with EC leading 12–0.

The Soaring Eagles could not build on an 8-yard rush by Capen to start the second quarter, resulting in a turnover on downs. However, the EC defense continued to stand tall, forcing a quick punt to get the offense back on the field. Capen found Ingber again in the back of the end zone to extend the Soaring Eagles' lead to 19–0. She then showcased her two-way ability by intercepting a Russell Sage pass to regain possession, but EC could not find the end zone again before halftime. Both teams went into the break with Elmira leading Russell Sage 19–0.

The Gators scored their first points of the game early in the third quarter on a passing touchdown, but the Elmira defense responded quickly by intercepting the point-after attempt to keep the score at 19–6. The EC offense answered, as Capen found Kylie Hook in the back of the end zone to regain a 19-point lead. The Soaring Eagles carried their 25–6 lead into the final minute of the game before Russell Sage added a late consolation touchdown. Elmira secured its first conference win, 25–13.

LEADERS
Quarterback Nyla Capen led the way for the Soaring Eagles, throwing for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 32 more yards on the ground. On the defensive side, she recorded an interception and 6 flags pulled. Faith Ingber recorded 12 receptions for 136 yards and  2 touchdowns. 

UP NEXT
The Soaring Eagles will stay on the road as they travel to SUNY Brockport on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM.