IMMACULATA, Pa.- Immaculata University considered by many to be the birthplace of modern women's college athletics continued its legacy by hosting the Inaugural Atlantic East Conference Women's Flag Football Championships on Saturday at Draper Walsh Stadium. This was the first-ever women's flag football championship tournament held by an NCAA Conference.

The pre-game ceremonies included appearances by Eagles Mascot Swoop, the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, and the Eagles Pep Band.

The Immaculata University women's flag football team won the first ever game played defeating Neumann University 13-7 in the first semifinal game to advance to the first championship game. Immaculata, would fall to Marymount University in the championship game to finish as the Atlantic East Conference Runner-up in 2024.

The Immaculata team roster included: Sam Salvatore (Logan Township, N.J. / Gloucester Catholic), Jena Hayes (Aston, Pa. / Sun Valley High School), Natalie Dodd (Philadelphia, Pa. / Archbishop Ryan), Samantha Rivera (Dover, DE / Polytech), Emma Wagner (Beachwood, N.J. / Toms River South), Rory Watson (Allentown, Pa. / Salisbury), Julia Levase (Claymont, DE / Mount Pleasant), Meg Robbins (Collegeville, Pa. / Spring-Ford), and Jessica Elliott (Downingtown, Pa. / Downingtown East). The Mighty Macs are led by Head Coach Joe Trainer.

Game One Semifinals: IMMACULATA 13, Neumann 7

In the semifinals, Immaculata was led offensively by quarterback Natalie Dodd who completed 12 passes, and had eight runs, including a rushing touchdown in the first quarter at 1:30 to give Immaculata a 7—0 lead. This was the first touchdown in Atlantic East Conference women's flag football history, and the first in Immaculata women's flag football history.

Neumann would even the score in the third quarter on a touchdown run by Giovanna Santorella to tie the score at 7-7.

Immaculata would re-take the lead with 0:30 remaining in the third quarter when Meg Robbins caught a pass from Natalie Dodd at midfield and ran it in for the touchdown. The point after attempt was no good, and Immaculata took the lead 13-7.

Immaculata would go on to close out the 13-7 win to advance the Championship game vs Marymount.

On the defensive side of the ball for Immaculata Julia Levase led the way with six flag pulls. Emma Wagner had four flag pulls. Samantha Rivera and Jenna Haes each had three flag pulls. Ashanti Leon had three batted-down passes, and Jessica Elliott had two flag pulls, one batted pass, and the first interception in Immaculata program history.

Game Two Championship Game: Marymount 52, IMMACULATA 0

In the championship game, Marymount score with six minutes remaining in the quarter on a touchdown pass. The point after attempt failed, and Marymount led 6-0 after the first quarter.

Marymount would score two additional touchdowns in the second quarter, on their way to winning the inaugural Atlantic East Championship by a score of 52-0.

Immaculata was led by Natalie Dodd who completed three passes, and had five runs for Immaculata on offense, and added two flag pulls on defense. Offensively Sam Salvatore and Jessica Elliott each had one reception each. On the defensive side, Meg Robbins, Julia Levase, Emma Wagner, and Samantha Rivera each had two flag pulls for Immaculata.

The Immaculata University women's flag football team finished as the Atlantic East Conference Inaugural Championship Runner-up.

Up Next

The 2024 Atlantic East Conference Women's Flag Football Championships was the introduction for women's flag football. The plan is for a full season in the spring of 2025. For more information about Immaculata University women's flag football please contact Head Coach Joe Trainer at jtrainer1@immaculata.edu.