Graceland Opens NAIA Women’s Flag Football Season with 57-18 Win Over Cumberland
LEBANON, Tenn. — The Graceland University women's flag football team opened its inaugural season with a decisive 57-18 victory over Cumberland on Thursday evening, showcasing an efficient passing attack and aggressive defensive pressure in the program's first official game.
The Yellowjackets controlled the tempo throughout the contest, producing 403 yards of total offense and 13 first downs while consistently moving the ball through short routes, vertical concepts and quick-release passing. Quarterback Sierra Flores directed the offense with precision, completing 23 of 37 passes for 282 yards and seven touchdown passes while also contributing on the ground. Reserve quarterback Karissa Garcia added another scoring strike, completing 7 of 8 passes for 101 yards and one touchdown to help keep the offensive rhythm intact.
Graceland opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Flores connected with Sydney Gann for a 30-yard touchdown reception, finishing a four-play, 43-yard drive to give the Yellowjackets an early lead. Cumberland responded early in the second quarter to briefly cut the deficit to one point, but Graceland quickly regained momentum through efficient drive execution and consistent red-zone production.
The Yellowjackets generated 18 points in the second quarter and added three touchdown drives in the third quarter, capitalizing on defensive stops and strong field position. Graceland closed the contest with two additional touchdown drives in the fourth quarter to secure the 39-point victory in the program's first game of competition.
Several receivers played key roles in the Yellowjackets' spread passing scheme. Ahmari Byrd finished with eight receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns, providing a reliable option on intermediate routes and quick outs. Delaney Mondino added five receptions for 93 yards and three touchdowns, while Sydney Gann recorded four receptions for 62 yards and two scores. Makayla Brown also contributed with three catches for 40 yards and a touchdown, helping maintain balance across the offense.
Defensively, Graceland applied consistent pressure on Cumberland's quarterbacks and disrupted multiple drives behind the line of scrimmage. Kylie Overkamp led the defensive effort with four sacks for 22 yards, while the Yellowjackets totaled seven sacks for 33 yards. The defense also generated three interceptions, limiting Cumberland's ability to sustain drives and forcing multiple negative-yardage plays.
The defensive unit also showed strong tackling fundamentals throughout the game. Ahmari Byrd recorded seven total tackles, while Sadie Lee added six stops to anchor the Yellowjackets' defensive effort.
Following the win, Graceland head women's flag football coach Aaron Richardson praised the team's performance while emphasizing the need for continued improvement in execution.
"It's great for our program to start with a win, especially in the first game in team history," Richardson said. "Our players executed well in several key areas, particularly in the passing game and with the pressure we generated defensively. At the same time, we know there is still a lot of room for improvement. We need to continue sharpening our execution, especially in situational moments and in maintaining consistency throughout drives. The focus moving forward is continuing to improve our timing, communication and discipline so we can keep building as a program."
Graceland will continue its early-season schedule on Saturday, March 7, when the Yellowjackets travel to face Life (Ga.). Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. CST at Lupo Family Field in Marietta, Georgia.
For more information on the Graceland women's flag football team and all Yellowjacket athletics, visit GUjackets.com.