Russell Sage College Hosts Capital Region's Inaugural Intercollegiate Women's Flag Football Game
ALBANY, N.Y. – In the first intercollegiate women's flag football game played in New York State's Capital Region, Russell Sage College hosted SUNY Brockport on Friday afternoon.
ALBANY, N.Y. – In the first intercollegiate women's flag football game played in New York State's Capital Region, Russell Sage College hosted SUNY Brockport on Friday afternoon.
Prior to the historic event, a 26-12 SUNY Brockport victory, RSC President Matthew Shaftel and Sam Greco Jr., JCA '64, Sage '11, the founder and chairman of the board of Greco Construction, the inaugural sponsor of the women's flag football athletic program, participated in the ceremonial coin toss.
The visiting Golden Eagles (2-1/1-0 E8) started quickly, holding a 12-0 lead through the opening period. RSC answered with a pair of touchdowns to tie the contest at 12 midway through the second frame.
Junior Bianca Ricciuto (Montgomery, NY/Valley Central/SUNY Poly) scored the first TD in program history, a five-yard scamper 3:26 into the quarter.
After the RSC defense forced a SUNY Brockport turnover on downs, Ricciuto and sophomore Hailey Blake (Schenectady, NY/Colonie Central) connected for a 50-yard touchdown catch.
Ahead 19-12 at the break, the visitors added another TD early in the third quarter for the final points.
"Myself and the team felt incredibly supported today at the game!" said RSC Head Coach Denver Divens. "The stands were full of parents, friends, professors, coaches, administrators, our sponsors Greco Construction, their amazing family, and even some local high school flag football athletes! Although we may not have had the outcome we wanted, the women battled the whole game and made the other team earn it. This year has been an amazing journey and can't wait to see what the future holds for this team! Thank you all for your support!"
Ricciuto passed for 198 yards on 15 completions. She rushed for 10 yards and had two tackles and an interception.
Blake finished with 80 receiving yards on four catches and four tackles.
Sophomore Kaleigh Dean (Salt Point, NY/FDR) topped all participants with 10 tackles, four of which were for loss, and three sacks. Senior Morgan Potter (Poland, NY/Poland Central) also picked off a SUNY Brockport pass.
Senior Megan Gerber factored into all 26 SUNY Brockport points. She passed for two TDs, rushed for the others and successfully reached pay dirt on two of the four one-point PAT attempts. Gerber totaled 230 yards combined running and throwing.
RSC (0-1/0-1 E8) has a quick turnaround, playing at Elmira on Saturday night.
Gator Bites with Papa John's: Greco Construction is the inaugural sponsor of the Russell Sage College Women's Flag Football athletic program, the first of its kind in the Capital Region…Building on the momentum of the fastest-growing sport in the world, the multi-year agreement helped establish the 22nd athletic program at RSC…The 15-player roster features six student-athletes that compete on other Gator teams…The group includes senior Aniyah Kelley (New Castle, DE/William Penn), who started on the RSC Women's Volleyball and Women's Basketball teams, and freshman Isabella Clute (Schenectady, NY/Mohonasen), a key contributor on the Gators' Women's Soccer and Women's Basketball squads.
