Southern Tier Sports ReportELMIRA --- The Elmira College flag football team hosted Hartwick College Friday afternoon for an Empire 8 matchup. In a high scoring affair, the Soaring Eagles defeated the Hawks, 36-28.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
It was a strong start for both defenses, as each forced punts on the opening two drives. Elmira graduate Amarionah Dixon made the first big play of the game with a spectacular interception, returning it for an early 6–0 Elmira lead. The Hawks responded on the following possession with a passing touchdown to tie the game at 6–6 by the end of the first quarter.
On the second play of the second quarter, Corning graduate Hannah Smith delivered a perfect deep pass to Faith Ingber for a touchdown, then connected with Dixon for a successful two-point conversion. After the EC defense forced another punt, Smith and Ingber struck again on another deep ball touchdown, extending the Soaring Eagles' lead to 20–6. The Hawks answered with a touchdown and a successful two-point conversion of their own, cutting the deficit to 20–14 heading into halftime.
The EC offense opened the second half with a strong drive, highlighted by completions to Kylie Hook and Dixon, before reaching the end zone and converting the two-point attempt. On the first play of Hartwick's ensuing drive, they responded with a 66-yard touchdown run. After an EC punt, Hartwick stayed hot, tying the game at 28–28. Elmira answered with a long drive, capped by a 12-yard touchdown reception from Dixon, who also caught the two-point conversion to give Elmira a 36–28 lead at the end of the third quarter.
After a fourth-down stand by the Elmira defense, the Soaring Eagles were forced to punt the ball back to the Hawks. Following a couple of scoreless drives, the Elmira defense came up with another crucial fourth-down stop. Dixon sealed the game by pulling the Hartwick rusher's flag one yard short of the first-down marker, securing the 36–28 victory.
LEADERS
Hannah Smith led the way offensively for Elmira, throwing for 383 yards on 34 completions. Faith Ingber recorded 9 receptions for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Amarionah Dixon added 7 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown. Dixon also brought in a pick-six. Defensively, Nyla Capen and Tania Gonzalez each tallied 10 tackles.
EC FALLS ON SENIOR NIGHT
The Elmira College flag football team hosted SUNY Geneseo on Saturday afternoon for the Empire 8 regular season finale. Despite a strong defensive effort early, the Soaring Eagles fell to the Knights, 26–8.
PLAY-BY-PLAY
Both teams opened the contest with intense defensive, limiting offensive opportunities through the early possessions. Geneseo broke through late in the first quarter, capitalizing on a sustained drive that ended in a touchdown and successful PAT to take a 7–0 lead.
Elmira responded defensively in the second quarter, forcing pressure deep in Geneseo territory that resulted in a safety, cutting the deficit to 7–2. With momentum shifting, the Soaring Eagles put together a late drive before halftime, capped by a rushing touchdown from Hannah Smith. Although the two-point PAT was unsuccessful, EC carried an 8–7 lead into the break.
Geneseo regained control early in the third quarter with a quick-strike touchdown, reclaiming the lead at 13–8. The Knights continued to build momentum with another scoring drive midway through the quarter, extending their lead to 20–8.
In the fourth quarter, Geneseo added an insurance touchdown on a sustained drive to make it 26–8. Elmira's defense battled throughout the final period, but the offense was unable to close the gap as the Knights secured the road victory.
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PHOTOS BY BRIAN FEES
REPORT BY ELMIRA COLLEGE ATHLETICS
